Artist description Blending a wide range of influences, Maryland guitarist/composer Bob Margolis shapes a bold voice as a contemporary jazz-rock instrumentalist. Margolis thrives on playing diverse styles from years as a freelance musician, session player, teacher and fronting his own jazz and blues groups. His spirited work appears on numerous recordings, a movie soundtrack and two solo releases. He also gigs frequently throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

Music Style Instrumental Jazz-Rock

Musical Influences Eric Johnson, Steely Dan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins

Similar Artists Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Mike Stern, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton

Artist History Bob Margolis began his musical journey in the Washington D. C. area, acquiring a guitar for his 14th birthday. He immediately immersed himself in the instrument, soaking in the blues, jazz and rock sounds of guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughan, Wes Montgomery and Eric Johnson. By his late teens Bob began teaching privately and playing in several local jazz, rock and blues groups. In 1990 Margolis relocated to the Baltimore area, accepting a music scholarship from Towson University. In 1993 Bob graduated magna cum laude from Towson with a BA in Jazz Performance. Margolis' reputation as a player of exceptional skill and versatility has led to studio sessions and gigs with some of the D.C./Baltimore area's best musicians. Bob also appears at many of the region's premiere jazz and blues clubs. Since 1994 Margolis has fronted The Bob Margolis Group. The blues/rock and jazz trio performs throughout the D.C./Baltimore area and was voted one of the area's best blues bands in Music Monthly magazine's Annual Reader's Poll three years in a row. 1997 marked Bob’s debut release Choices, an all-original instrumental CD. Selections from the disc received radio airplay and appear on a regional compilation CD. His second disc Extended Senses was released in 2000. Bob is also a member of 3rd Colony, a "Steely Dan meets Led Zeppelin" original rock group. Their debut self-titled CD was released in 2002. Margolis stays busy with various freelance gigs, studio work and teaching. Watch for the new Bob Margolis CD Impetus in late summer 2003.

Group Members Bob Margolis-Guitar,Steve Sachse-Bass,Steve Barke-Drums,Wes Crawford-Drums,Jeff Antoniuk-Sax

Press Reviews Music Monthly Magazine July 1998. Clean, crisp and a great aftertaste. "Gravity" starts out this 1997 release by Bob Margolis in a style very reminiscent of Jeff Beck's studies in jazz fusion. Several of the cuts could have been lifted off Beck's "Blow By Blow" or "Wired" records. If you are open to upbeat instrumentals and session-jams (or "TV music," as my childhood friend referred to Beck), then this is a nice showcase for Margolis' finger-style and his colleague's versatility. Choices is a fine guitar study and it has solid grooves, as in "Liberation People." This up-tempo song takes the listener on a hectic, yet rhythmic ride through busy urban city streets. Hang on for the ride-it's worth it. Margolis doesn't mind switching gears (and the guitar toggle-switch) and laying down some jazz progressions. Apparently, his fans like this mix of musical styles when they go to see him live-his Monday night show at a White Marsh area club is quite popular. This artist is quite obviously schooled in music and has an innate sense of melody and composition. "Camp Vamp" is a scale busting display of Bob's fretboard fury and, again, I can't help but think of Beck (Jeff, not "Devil's Haircut") or Larry Carlton. Margolis does seem to have a style all to his own, however. "Vamp Camp picks up where the previously mentioned song leaves off and is a funky blues jam with Bob talking back to Dave Gorrie's lively bass. This well known guitar Baltimore guitar teacher has proved to be an excellent role model for his students. Margolis produced Choices with Paul Story and they recorded at Solo Studios in Fairfax, Virginia. Other players on this project include Steve Sachse on bass, and Wes Crawford and Steve Barke on drums. These songs are an excellent background to a backyard picnic or as a main course for guitar enthusiasts. It ends way too soon and leaves you wanting more-like all good things in life. -Tim J. Nelson

Additional Info Bob's third CD "Impetus" available October 2003.

Location Baltimore, MD - USA

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