Bobby Read is a gifted producer, composer and arranger, and runs Small World Audio from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia. You can read and hear much more at www.bobbyread.com.
Band member: 1993 – 2014.
Albums
- Hot House – alto sax, tenor sax
- Spirit Trail – clarinet, flute, baritone sax
- Here Come the Noisemakers – saxophone, bass clarinet, vocals
- Big Swing Face (album) – bass-clarinet on Take Out the Trash, Place Under the Sun
- Greatest Radio Hits
- Halcyon Days (album) – clarinet
- Levitate (album) – reeds
- Bride of the Noisemakers – saxophone, bass-clarinet, EWI, vocals
Instruments
Bobby Read bio
Early life and musical education
Bobby Read’s musical journey began at the New England Conservatory, where he trained as a saxophonist and woodwind player. His early career highlights included joining the DC-based progressive rock band, However, and later becoming part of the eclectic ‘chamber-folk’ group Trapezoid. His musical background was shaped by a broad spectrum of influences, ranging from classical to jazz, folk, and electronic music. This diverse exposure is reflected in his ability to transition smoothly between genres.
Working with Bruce Hornsby
In 1993, Bobby Read joined Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, a partnership that has spanned more than three decades. Bobby has performed on Hornsby’s last five studio albums, as well as notable live recordings such as “Here Come the Noisemakers”, “Bride of the Noisemakers”, and the DVD “Three Nights on the Town”. He also contributed horn arrangements to two tracks on Hornsby’s album ‘Halcyon Days”. Bobby’s ability to bring depth and complexity to Bruce’s arrangements has made him an indispensable member of the Noisemakers.
Production work and Small World Audio
In addition to his performance work, Bobby runs Small World Audio, a recording studio in Virginia. Over the course of his career, he has produced, engineered, or played on more than 100 records, often collaborating with regional artists. His studio experience has made him a sought-after producer, bringing his refined technical skills to projects ranging from jazz to rock and folk. Small World Audio is where Bobby continues to innovate, mixing and producing records while working on his own projects.
Musical projects and solo work
However and Trapezoid
Before his work with Bruce Hornsby, Bobby Read was a member of the progressive rock band However, which released two albums in the 1980s. These albums, originally on vinyl, were later re-released on CD through Kinesis, and are currently in the process of being reissued under a new label. After However, Read joined Trapezoid, a ‘chamber-folk’ group that released the album “Moon Run” on Narada Records. In 1995, Read also collaborated with Trapezoid guitarist Paul Reisler to produce the instrumental album “Birth of a River”.
Modereko
In addition to his solo work, Read was involved with the jazz-fusion band Modereko, which featured fellow Noisemakers members John Molo and J.T. Thomas, along with trumpeter John Dearth and guitarist Tim Kobza. Modereko released two albums: their self-titled debut on Blue Thumb Records in 2001, and their follow-up on Harmonized Records in 2003. These projects allowed Read to explore complex musical arrangements, drawing on his jazz and progressive rock influences.
Monkfish and the Bobby Read Quartet
Bobby Read’s debut solo project, Monkfish, was a personal milestone. Unlike his prior work, the album was recorded quickly, with minimal rehearsal, allowing for a raw and spontaneous jazz experience. The Bobby Read Quartet, consisting of talented young musicians from Virginia, recorded Monkfish in just two days, showcasing their exceptional improvisational skills. The album prominently features the Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI), which Bobby has been exploring as a solo instrument.
2006 Bruuuce.com interview: Reflections on Monkfish and beyond
First solo project
In a 2006 interview with Bruuuce.com, Bobby Read discussed his first solo project, “Monkfish”. He described the album as a reaction to the highly detailed and labor-intensive process of recording Modereko’s second CD. By contrast, Monkfish was intentionally created with ease and spontaneity, with the band rehearsing for only 2.5 hours before recording. Bobby described this as the easiest CD he had ever made.
The Bobby Read Quartet
The members of the Bobby Read Quartet were all young, talented musicians. While Bobby enjoyed mentoring emerging talent, he emphasised that the players in his quartet were chosen simply because they were the best local musicians he could find. He noted that many musicians his age had stopped playing live gigs, while younger players were still eager to perform regularly.
Exploring the EWI
One of the most interesting aspects of Monkfish is the use of the wind controller, or EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). Bobby had been using the Yamaha WX5 wind controller for several years, primarily as a solo instrument. The EWI allows him to control synthesizers and samplers, adding a new dimension to his sound. Read expressed his excitement about the potential of the EWI and noted that Monkfish was his attempt to showcase its versatility as a lead instrument.
Influences and favourite Bruce Hornsby songs
Musical influences
Bobby’s influences are wide-ranging, spanning classical, jazz, rock, and world music. He cited jazz musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis, as well as world music artists such as Maria Kalaniemi and groups on the Real World label. His eclectic taste also includes composers like Charles Ives and John Cage, as well as rock artists such as Beck, Eno, and Led Zeppelin. This diversity is evident in Bobby’s own compositions, which blend elements from multiple genres.
Favourite songs to perform
When asked about his favourite Bruce Hornsby songs to play live, Bobby specifically mentioned “Funhouse”. He also highlighted songs like “Place Under the Sun”, “Resting Place”, and “Candy Mountain Run”, noting that the EWI has added a new dimension to his solo performances on these tracks.
External links
Website: www.bobbyread.com