'Just a Few' CD Reviews
Bob Roetker has produced a stunning trio album ...
author: Adriam Ingram - Just Jazz Guitar Magazine
It
is always good to discover new players. Especially when they are as
good as Robert Roetker. Of course, the term "new player" is not really
appropriate, for like most well-seasoned musicians, Roetker has been
playing the guitar in relative obscurity for over three decades.
Basically
a straight-ahead player who errs toward the gentle sophistication that
only experience and confidence can furnish, Roetker has produced a
stunning trio album, ably supported, indeed positively enhanced, by
Wayne Yeager's Hammond B3 organ, and Steve Barnes' tasteful drumming.
Like
the playing, the material on "Just A Few" is standard fare, with such
favorites as Invitation, How About You, and Love Letters. Other tunes
come from the 'jazz standards' repertoire featuring rarely recorded but
great jazz tunes such as Just A Few (Shorty Rogers), Home At Last (Hank
Mobley) and Off The Top (Jimmy Smith).
Roetker was a guitar
instructor for the Armed Forces School of Music, but now resides in
Cincinnati, where he is rapidly making a name for himself on the local
gig circuit. He is from the school of Herb Ellis and Joe Pass, which
places emphasis upon melodic playing and interesting harmony. Given his
age, however, (he was born in 1948) it is not surprising that he has
also assimilated elements of Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino and George
Benson. His most fiery side is in strong evidence on Martino's One For
Rose.
I must congratulate Bob on an exceptionally fine release. "Just
A Few" features strong tunes and strong playing by all concerned.
"No frills, no compromises, just top-notch straightahead jazz guitar..."
author: Larry Nager - Cincinnati Enquirer 5/28/99
Kicks butt!
author: Christopher von Volborth
This is top notch jazz with world class players. It consistently kicks gluteus maximus!!!
'Second Chance' CD Review
author: Max Smith
I received Bob's CD (Second Chance) this weekend, I've listened to it at least 10 times already - beautiful playing! Two guys (guitar and bass), no effects, a DAT recorder, some nice tunes, and some sweet straight-ahead picking - definitely worth the price of admission.