Musician
CurrentLong time Twin Cities resident BOBBY COMMODORE has filled the drum throne for many local ensembles in many different genres of music.In 1974, he began a 20-year affiliation with the Grammy Award winning group ‘The Sounds of Blackness’ with whom he toured the United States and recorded several ‘albums’ and where he met his wife, Ginger (who was also a member of the ‘Sounds’).Then, in 1986 he took the plunge into the world of Jazz. Bobby received a call from friend Sanford Moore to perform with a new group at the Ruby’s Café. That one time performance lead to a 12-year affiliation as drummer and business manager of the renowned jazz ensemble, MOORE BY FOUR. With ‘MB4’, Bobby played to sold-out houses across the Midwest, toured the world playing at prestigious Jazz Festivals and appeared on several PBS specials featuring the ensemble. Being featured with Moore By Four has allowed Bobby to perform on all the local major stages including the Gutherie Theater, Orchestra Hall, The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and The Fitzgerald Theater. Bobby continues to refine his skills while serving as Musical Director and drummer for his wife, Ginger Commodore, and her band GCQ. Bobby defines his playing style as “being in the pocket, in-the-groove.” Vocalists enjoy working with him because of his ‘big ‘ ears and use of dynamics. Local favorites, Debbie Duncan, Bruce Henry, Dennis Spears, Connie Evingson, Yolande Bruce and Cynthia (Funky Town) Johnson have all featured him in their bands.As a side point, his work as a top-notch sound technician at the renowned Dakota Jazz Club has allowed him to meet, rap and shed with many of the legendary drummers of our time.
