Bobby Barth....Slidemaster Of Blackfoot!

I've known Bobby Barth since he was nineteen years old. We met in 1974. That seems like a mighty long time ago. I've witnessed a lot of talented guitarists since then and Bobby rates as one of the best players I've ever heard.

Bobby is an ornery, cantankerous man. Not prone to offering compliments to many people. I don't like to brag but Bobby gave me a compliment about a year ago.

Bobby stayed with Lori and I for a bit during the early eighties. During that time, we would sit and play guitar well into the night. Now me, I'm just a hack when it comes to picking the guitar. The one thing I do well is the Merle Travis "double thumb" technique. Bobby asked me to teach him the technique. Bear in mind, this was sometime around 1984.

About a year ago (2006) Bobby called me and said, "Listen to this." he then proceeded to play some of the most low-down and beautiful , slide-driven Blues I had ever heard. I was flabbergasted. Bobby said, "I just wanted to thank you for teaching me that technique. It only took me a couple of decades to learn it." And he proceeded to laugh.

In March, Lori and I went to New Orleans. While we were there, Bobby and his wife Nancie had us stay with them for several days. Bobby showed us the city of New Orleans and all it's manifest ups and downs. The night before we left for LA, I managed to get him to sit down for a few minutes for an interview on camera. On this video Bobby plays some astonishing slide guitar.

Lori, utilizing a brand new camera, did excellent work of filming Bobby's hands during his playing so that any of you players out there can see what he does and how he does it.

I just spoke with Bobby in Florida where he will be playing with Blackfoot for a series of sold-out shows through this week end.

We think you will enjoy this interview as it covers a lot of territory. Bobby plays three pieces on this video. Three pieces of shear magic. See for yourself.

PS....The audio level is a bit low and for that we apologize. Please turn your volume up a bit for this show.

Thanks for watching.
John Rhys/Guitar Speak

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Bobby Barth plays Dean Guitars Exclusively!

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