Missing Playing Out

ByBob Bakert, Editor April 30, 2020April 30, 2020

JGT editor and guitarist Bob Bakert misses the audiences and his many musician friends during this challenging time.

As the editor of Jazz Guitar Today, I take great pride in getting out weekly and playing in front of live audiences. I was a professional musician for over 15 years and I just love to perform. My weekly gigs give me a good reason to practice, keep my chops up, and a chance to work on new tunes to play each week. I love it! Since I do not rely on the gigs to make my living, the initial effect of being “shut down” was an annoyance but I felt it was necessary for the common good. Not to mention to protect my health.

BUT!!!!!!! It’s finally getting to me…

I haven’t played in front of a live audience in months. In addition to working on interviews and articles for JGT to burn off the energy/angst, I have been hiking and biking (the gym is closed). This is great but I really miss the audiences and all my musician friends… The hikes and rides and walking Zac in the woods will have to do for now. Oh yea, and the hours each day I spend with my guitar.

I love my dog Zac and he is a great comfort, but I really miss “you guys”…!

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Bob Bakert, Editor

Bob Bakert’s love of all things guitar started when he was twelve years old. While starting with folk tunes and top 40 music of the day, his interest developed over the years to R&B, rock and of course, jazz. Bob has studied many styles of guitar but improvisation has always been at the heart of his style. He has studied with many prestigious teachers including NY studio legend Andy Roemer and GSU’s Dave Frackenpohl.

In addition to co-founding the Frank Hamilton School of Folk music in Atlanta, Bob has mentored several venues and concert series. He is currently on the board of directors for one of Billboard Magazines “Best Jazz Clubs”, The Velvet Note in Alpharetta, GA.

More recently, Bob was the “Rudder” at Eastman Stringed Instruments – providing guidance on a variety of sales, product development and artist relations projects. As with many in the Jazz Guitar Today audience, Bob has an insatiable appetite for guitar and a desire to share his love of the instrument.