Best of an Old Friend

BEST OF AN OLD FRIEND is Bob Wilders' second CD. 'It's a recording that deserves to be heard by more people.' A nice accolade, but who is Bob Wilders? BOB WILDERS grew up listening to Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Johnny Ray (his mother's records) and The Moonlight Sonata, Frankie Yankovich, and movie soundtracks (his father's records). Throw in some Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul, and Mary and mix with Roy Acuff and Flatt and Scruggs and spice with some Sam and Dave and you have the recipe for his eclectic tastes. And his songs show it. At one time he'll play a blues song, then go into a folk song, whip out a country ballad, hit you with an acoustic instrumental, set your toe tapping with a soul sounding song, and rock you with a rock-flavored ditty. Then there's the odd song that lies somewhere in between it all. Born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania a small town 55 miles southwest of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Bob Wilders has traveled all across the country - from Massachusetts to Hawaii. At an early age he moved with his family to Yuma, Arizona and from there to Kahaluu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It was in Hawaii that Bob began his musical journey after his mother bought him his first guitar and arranged for some lessons. It wasn't long before he was writing his own songs, inspired by a paperback of folk songs that his guitar instructor gave to him. In Hawaii he was a member of DA BOYZ, an underground band with a small, loyal following. He later helped form THE MOSSMAN/WILDERS BAND. It was in Hawaii that Bob began training in the martial art of AIKIDO. He eventually obtained the rank of third dan or third degree black belt. He attributes AIKIDO with keeping him centered when he performs live. After moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1995 he decided to finally take the plunge and perform as a solo act doing many of the original songs he has written over the years. He has played at many of the various venues around Tucson including the University of Arizona, local cable television access, radio (KXCI), showcased at the 2001 and 2003 Tucson Folk Festival, and was twice a featured performer at the Tucson Singer/Songwriter Showcase. He released his first independently produced album, the self-titled 'BOB WILDERS', which includes such songs as THE BALLAD OF THE TOWNSEND CROMWELL, CARLOS AND ELAYNE, and others in 2000. His second album, 'BEST OF AN OLD FRIEND' is now out and features more of his original songs, songs that range from rock (SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY'S DEAD) to ballads (CLASS OF '71 BLUES) to blues (AUTUMN, SPRING AND SUMMERTIME) to country (OH, WHAT A FOOL I'VE BEEN) to a mellow acoustic instrumental (SUNSET SERENADE). As one reviewer said, Bob is indeed an artist who deserves to be heard by more people. 'Bob Wilders writes and performs in the best tradition of one who tells the stories he's seen, heard, or imagined.' - Hank Childers, host of the Tucson Singer/Songwriter Showcase.