Bobby Long: "No Longer Riding On The Coattails Of Mr. You-Know-Who"

We are introducing a new feature on RobPattzNews called Guest blogger Monday. I've had the pleasure of working with Nancy (@LucySun) on another site, and while she helps us out during busy times, she is still not a full-time member of the team though we consider her that. Nancy and her husband got the chance to check out Bobby Long's show last week when he stopped in Vienna, Virginia. They wrote up a great review, plus shared a video of his performance. Hope you enjoy!



April 28, 2010

Jammin Java, Vienna, Virginia

Toward the end of his show in Vienna (Virginia, not Austria), Bobby
Long forgot the lyrics to his “Dead and Done Blues” song. No worries.
His adoring fans at the Jammin Java venue filled in the missing words
from the song’s memorable verse and chorus.


Bobby had come off a three-week hiatus from touring, and while he
might have seemed a little rusty at the April 28th gig, his
self-deprecating manner and shy banter about his new record deal,
renting a new flat in America and a (fictional) run-in with the law in
Swansea, Wales, created goodwill on both sides. The country singer (or
is he a folk singer, a blues singer, a singer-songwriter a la Bob
Dylan?) showcased new and old material, and rocked hard on a couple
songs, and then returned seamlessly to his more delicate side.


Bobby Long is the real thing, no longer riding on the coattails of Mr.
You-Know-Who. I’m intrigued to discover how his shows come off when he begins touring with a backing band in June and July. The Englishman
commands great notice by simply being a guy on stage with his soulful
voice and a guitar. But the backup band – who he claims are
overweight, although he couldn’t confirm that since he’s never met
them – could make his shows even more dynamic.


Later in the show, he dedicated our favorite song, “Who Have You Been
Loving,” to a mother and her young child in the audience, but then
quickly backtracked, wondering if the tainted love song was an
appropriate tribute to a young child. He didn’t disappoint and he owed
no one an apology for his fierce rendition of this instant classic.


It’s been an exciting year for an artist who appears to have the
musical chops and stamina for stardom. Bobby admitted regret for being
late to his recent record deal signing. But an audience member stated
he had no reason to fear and perhaps it’s best to make them sweat with
his tardiness -- because the record execs need him more than he needs
them. His song-writing gift and a soulful voice will make him a fan
favorite for years to come, with or without a record contract.

-Nancy Ryan and Mark Hand


For information on Bobby's tour dates check out his MySpace page. You can also follow him on twitter: @BobbyLongNews. Thanks Nancy and Mark!