Bob Noble & the Blue Voodoo Band

                                            — Not Your Typical Blues Band

 

            By “Rachel Rocks”

 

   This was my first interview that I had where I never met the band before and, it was also done in uncharted territory, so I was way out of my comfort zone. All I knew, I was going to a place called the Black Knights to see a “blues band.” It was a little intimidating at first, but when “Shakes It” and I got lost outside of Lancaster, I placed a call to Roy, the drummer of the band, and he immediately came out on a rescue mission. Already I started feeling a little better.

   When we arrived at the Black Knights, it actually was a beautiful Colonial style home on the quiet Main Street of Landisville. They had a beautiful deck for outside dining and a couple different dining areas. They even had a private dining area where we were able to conduct our interview.

   Bob Noble & the Blue Voodoo Band consists of only 3 guys. Bob Noble on lead guitar, keys, and vocals, Roy Uphold on drums, and John Shaat on bass. They’ve known each other for years, seeing each other throughout the scene, but they’ve only all been together for a year and a half. Bob has been trying for years to get together that perfect band and he feels the perfect band has been gelling, and hopes to be recording some originals soon. They’re all written, Bob just wants to make sure that when they get recorded they’ll be recorded right.

   Bob has had lots of experience, but you know…he’s only in his 30’s. (wink.wink.) He’s shared the stage with unbelievable acts such as Ben E. King, Kenny Rogers, and The Supremes. He’s toured Europe, Japan, and Malaysia, but now he’s finally settling into the Lancaster area. He’s glad to be done with all that “touring.” He had to fly to Japan 2 days after the attacks on the World Trade Center and he said it was terrifying. The band and the pilots were the only ones on the plane! He finally settled enough to realize how great it is just to play locally and build up the bands fan base. They definitely had a full house at the Black Knights, so they must be doing a pretty good job.

   When I asked about the name of the band Bob explained that the Blue Voodoo part is influenced mainly because they play the blues, but it’s their own style of blues. It has a little more of the Jimi Hendrix sound to it. So that’s why they added the “Voodoo” part. They’re more of an “over the top” type of blues and not your typical blues band. I honestly haven’t really heard any true “blues” acts so I only took their word for it. What I did see was three great musicians that  know how to play their instruments.

   Bob Noble is an amazing guitar player. Strings have always been a big part of his life. He used to be an American Archer, but when he almost shot his Uncle with an arrow, he decided to trade in his bow and arrow for a guitar. His fingers are definitely comfortable on strings. Not only can he shred those strings with his fingers, but he even uses his tongue, teeth, or both I’m really not sure, but it definitely blew me away. What a shocking surprise. He has so much talent and he’s been touring to so many cool places, but yet he’s right here in Lancaster County. All good musicians have to settle somewhere and we’re just fortunate that Bob chose to settle in Pennsylvania. Also between singing and playing guitar, he manages to also play the organ. You can’t have a blues band without the organ in there. He squeezes it in, even if he’s playing the organ with the top of his guitar while he’s singing and of course, still playing the guitar. I’m telling you, this guy is amazing! You really can’t describe him, you really have to check him out for yourself.

   He’s been looking for a while, but he finally found a drummer that is ready to stick it out with him and that would be Roy Uphold. Roy’s kit might not be the biggest I’ve seen, but he definitely knows how to use it. Doesn’t the saying go, “it’s not the size of the prize, it’s the motion of the ocean.” Well let me tell you, Roy has his ocean flowing just right! Roy was wearing a Muppets “Animal” shirt and it couldn’t fit a guy better. Roy has been playing drums since he used some sticks to pound off the buttons on the back of his family’s old vinyl recliner. After that they decided it was time to buy him a snare drum. He was only 3. He definitely had plenty of practice behind his kit. He is a great drummer and he also helps out with vocals. Roy covers more of the rock/blues songs. He was born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia, so he has that deep mountain man voice. It really allows them to be able to pull off a lot of different songs with two such distinctively different voices in the band.

   John Shaat is their quiet bass player. Music has always been in his life. He started playing the trumpet and piano when he was only 6, so he has a lot of musical experiences under his belt. (Oh, he’s only 30 too, wink.wink.) He decided to start playing bass because of an older cousin that played in rock ‘n’ roll bands up in the mountain music areas of Altoona. His cousin always had a good lookin’ girlfriend, so he thought maybe it would work for him too.   So, he picked up the bass and started playing it. He definitely knows how to strum it too. A blues band wouldn’t sound too bluesy without a great bass player.  John really helps to complete the sound and feel of the band.

   This band has definitely been around the block a couple of times with over 220 dates just last year. They’re hoping to maybe get into a couple more Blues Festivals in the general area, but besides that they’re happy to be playing at any local venue near you. They host an Open Mic at Zinger’s every Tuesday and you can play any genre of music you want. Every other Thursday you can also see them at Shank’s Tavern hosting an Open Blues Jam. That obviously sticks more to just the blues, but it’s still a great time. Just grab your axe and your sticks and come out and jam with some great musicians.

 

 

 

 

 

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