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| Reviews |
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Jeff "Skunk" Baxter: Steely Dan,
Doobie Bros. In response to the "Guitar Player" Magazine review, April
2002, page 136-137.
Bob Welch:
Former Guitarist
Fleetwood Mac
"Bobby Cochran is a guitarists guitarist, one of the
absolute best that's out there. He deserves more recognition!"
"I loved your playing!" ________________________________________________________________________
Okay Bobby,
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| June 2000 issue of BARRYS MAG |
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The Who, Stray Cats, Sex Pistols, Paul McCartney and even Cliff Richard are
all artists that have, at one time or another, recorded songs that were
originally recorded by Rock n Roll legend Eddie Cochran. So I was delighted
to have the opportunity to review the album Private Edition by Eddies
nephewthe very talented Bobby Cochran. Let’s face it, Eddie is a very
hard act to follow, but I must admit I was very impressed with this album and
it proves that Bobby is a star in his own right and I’m sure that his famous
uncle would be very pleased with this offering.
There are some absolutely blinding instrumental tracks here, such as My Blues for Eddie and a Freddie King track called Hide Away which would do nicely as a signature tune to my radio show..(if I had one that is). There’s also a couple of really good country flavoured tunes that give the album a certain freshness, For The First Time being one of my faves’cos I’m a sentimental old fool. Cruisin’ 1-40 is a Bobby Cochran original and is a real hard drivin’ blues instrumental as is the excellent This Moment Without You which wouldn’t sound out of place on a Gary Moore album! And although there are about four Eddie Cochran covers, such as My Way, Twenty Flight Rock and the classic Somethin’ Else -which incidentally was written by Bobbys father Bob and Eddies girlfriend Sharon Sheeley, this is far from a rock n roll revival C.D. But for me the most interesting cut is the last one Show Me, which was intended for Eddie to record as his next single release back in 1960 but sadly this never happened and the track lay unrecorded for near on 40 years until now! And that was written by Eddies co writer and manager Jerry Capehart (who also co produced this album). It does have all the hallmarks of a Cochran Classic and I’m sure it would have been. Bobby Cochran is an exceptional guitarist and with the inclusion of the late Jerry Capehart, this album is quite magical and could well have been titled Somethin’ Else! Cherished Memories Mel |
| The Blue Caps Debut at Chippenham 1999 |
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Supporting the Blue Caps on the Saturday night show at Chippenham, Bobby
immediately laid down his rockin' credentials with driving versions of
'Somethin' Else' and 'My Way'. On 'Route 66' his excellent backing band were
strongly featured: Gary Baldwin on keyboards, Brian Hodgson of 'Hogan's
Heroes' on bass and the tireless Howard Tibble who kept a neat beat for
Shakin' Stevens, Linda Gail Lewis and our very own Stu Colman on their
recent UK tour. With Eddie's versions of 'Milk Cow Blues' and 'School Day',
Bobby paid tribute to Tony Barrett of Rockstar Records for recovering so
many of his uncle's rare performances. The latter was one of many moments
when Bobby really got the Olympiad audience involved, singing the choruses
with a smattering of Wiltshire style rebel yells. After 'Pretty Girl'
Bobby reminded us how Eddie had indirectly brought Lennon and McCartney
together through 'Twenty Flight Rock'. The familiar rock n roll favourites
continued to flow with 'Sweet Little Sixteen', 'Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie',
'Great Balls of Fire' and 'Hallelujah I love her so' - each guitar break
was enhanced with sparkling fingerwork. Regrettably perhaps Bobby chose not to give us a taste of his country side. He did include Willie Nelson's classic blues, 'Night Life', before a searing re-telling of the story of Shorty and a city boy named Sam, with a heavy riff lending urgency to their race for Miss Lucy's hand. Halfway through the 65 minute set he dedicated a song to his late daughter, Bree. 'I Found a Love' is a slow blues with beautiful lyrics. It allowed Bobby to give full rein to his guitar virtuosity, neatly complemented by Gary's dexterity on keyboards. The tension built as Bobby stretched out the number, pouring emotion into his performance like the consummate artist and loving father he is. The Chippenham crowd recognised this and responded in full measure. After this he could no wrong and kept up a relentless pace with 'Summertime Blues' and a medley of 'La Bamba/Oh Boy/ Willie and the Hand Jive'. He promoted some good audience participation with the last item, before storming into 'Johnny B.Goode' and 'What'd I Say'. As the jiving became ever more frenetic on the packed dance floor, the climax arrived with a nod to the Beatles' rock n roll legacy on 'I Saw her Standing There'. The only possible encore was 'C'mon Everybody' and Bobby delivered it with all the drive and adolescent joy of the original cut. 'He's a better guitarist than Eddie' said the guy behind me. Sure, and thankfully he has had another 25 years to perfect his art. He's also an accomplished performer at the height of his powers who brilliantly embellished another great Eddie Cochran Weekend. Barry Holley 'Now Dig This' The 100% Rock 'N' Roll Monthly magazine. |
| The Crickets' Debut at Chippenham 1998 |
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"The presence of Buddy Holly's old friends and the 60th birthday of Eddie
Cochran made the fourth annual rock n roll weekend in this Wiltshire market
town very special. As usual there was a solid 12 hours of music at the Sports
Hall on the Saturday. It was packed when Darrel Higham and the Enforcers came
on stage at 8 pm. They reminded us that the Cochran rockabilly tradition is
in safe hands.
Then came Eddie’'s nephew, Bobby, an experienced session guitarist who is now based in L.A. He was a revelation, playing and singing in a variety of styles and really working the audience. Even the sober punters joined in the responses on "What'd I Say" and he gave us great versions of "C'mon Everybody" and "Somethin' Else", written by his dad. After problems with the sound system, The Crickets appeared. It was hard drivin' Holly & Curtis numbers all the way and then getting "famous friends" to take centre stage in turn. Bobby returned to join the guys on "Three Steps to Heaven" and Eddie's girl friend, Sharon Sheeley, came up to thank her "family" for celebrating Eddie's memory. Barry Holley 'Now Dig This' The 100% Rock 'N' Roll Monthly magazine. |
| Review From Blue Suede News |
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Bobby Cochran is Eddie’s nephew, and we’d heard a bit of his music on an
unreleased Kelly Four recording before. Bobby has definitely followed in his
uncle’s footsteps, becoming a fine guitar picker, singer, and songwriter,
too. In fact he has worked with Steppenwolf, The Flying Burrito Brothers,
Leon Russell, and Grateful Dead guy Bob Weir (in Bobby & The Midnights), in
case you didn’t know.
Eddie’s repertoire is covered here, with “My Way”, “Somethin’ Else” (co-written by Bobby’s father and Sharon Sheely), “Milk Cow Blues” and “Twenty Flight Rock”. A couple of other covers include “Hide Away” and “Honky Tonk”. Eddie’s old manager/songwriting partner Jerry Capehart also was involved, both in production and songwriting. Jerry died a few months ago, so perhaps this is the last glimpse into his ouevre. The last song is one Jerry wrote for Eddie while awaiting his return from England to record his next album, which of course didn’t work out the way we all wish it had. The notes say it would have been Eddie’s next single. That would probably be enough to create interest for many, but the rest of the music is good, too. Bobby lives in Nashville, and also writes fine country flavored tunes, a couple of which are showcased here. Sadly, he recently lost a daughter to a car wreck. Some families just seem to lose too many of their young people in these tragedies! |
| Reviews |
|
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter: Steely Dan,
Doobie Bros. In response to the "Guitar Player" Magazine review, April
2002, page 136-137.
Bob Welch:
Former Guitarist
Fleetwood Mac
"Bobby Cochran is a guitarists guitarist, one of the
absolute best that's out there. He deserves more recognition!"
Okay Bobby,
|
| Fan Mail |
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Bobby, What are my favorite tracks on the cd? As of yesterday (my preferences change, with my moods), they are (not necessarily in this order): My Way, Milk Cow Blues, Somethin' Else, My Blues For Eddie, For The First Time, Show Me, Honky Tonk, This Moment Without You ******** Your description of this is PERFECT!!! I absolutely LOVE it!!!!!! Over all, it's my favorite! I could (and do) listen to this song over and over again. As strange as this may sound, this song gets to me in the same way as when I hear Rhapsody In Blue. Tears well up in my eyes, every hair stands on end and every nerve in my body is working overtime. It's SOOOO filled with emotion. Sitting here with tears running down my face, as I'm listening to it. It is VERY rare that a song affects me in this manner but, "This Moment Without You" is at the top of my list. Between your phenomenal guitar playing and the piano, I'm a goner! (whew) :-))) Rock on! Bridge |
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Hi Bobby, I hope you are well, I just like to say how much like your PRIVATE EDITION CD. You have got your own style of playing just like Eddie did back in the 50's. I like so much your version of Honky Tonk and the song, FOR THE FIRST TIME. Back in 92 and 94 I went to the Surf Ballroom to see the Eddie Cochran weekend,it was very good I was disappointed when you was not playing with the Kelly FOUR. I told a fruend you did the EDDIE weekend down at CHIPPENHAM, NR BRISTOL/BATH ... we went down to see you play and we enjoyed so much. You signed my EDDIE LP "MY WAY" and we talked for a while. It was nice to meet you and I hope they will another time when we can come and see you play. Take care keep well and hope to see you sometime. Warm Reagrds, RON |
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Bobby, Thanks for responding to my email. First of all let me say, you are one of my rock n roll heros. Being a Wolfpacker, the music of Steppenwolf has meant a great deal to me over the years. During the early-mid seventies when you were with the band, I personally saw that peroid of the band to be very productive. You were more than just the lead guitarist in The Wolf. You wrote/co-wrote a number of excellent tunes. And for the bands' 1976 release, John and Jerry pretty well handed over the reins to you and the result in my opinion was the excellent album,"Skullduggery". I also enjoyed your brief peroid with Bobby & The Midnites. "Too Many Losers", was a great tune. I picked up a copy of "Private Edition" through The Wolfpack and was totally blown away. I love the various musicial styles it features. "My Way","Milk Cow Blues","My Blues For Eddie","For The First Time","Crusin'",and "Show Me" highlight this fine release. I'm no A&R man but if it was up to me I'd promote "For The First Time", as a single. That song has the potential to be a new country hit. It is without a doubt one of the best new songs I've heard this year. All in all I just can't say enough good things about "Private Edition". It is in my top ten favorite picks for 1999. Best Regards, Jim D |