Guitarist Bob Flurie, attended Lansdowne High School and played trumpet in his first band The Rising Sun based in Arbutus.
He studied at Peabody Conservatory of Music and was classically trained, although he was more interested in rock and roll. In the mid-’60s he played briefly with the Chadwicks. In 1967 he answered an ad to audition for the Chaumonts. It turned out that Carl Filipiak got the job, but they suggested that he try out for the Bleu Lights, an R&B vocal group. Bob played in the backing band for the Bleu Lights, appearing on their Bay Sound recordings, while also playing in the rock band X. Later he joined Cherry Smash adding a new dimension to their sound while making the band sound much more professional.
While playing at the Bayou in D.C., Roy Buchanan mentored Bobby and brought his skills to the attention of national agent Richard Halem, who connected him with Quicksilver Messenger Service. He toured nationally with them as a bass guitarist. After a while he returned to Baltimore, rejoining Cherry Smash. At this time the band was playing D.C. clubs and touring nationally.
Bob played with C. Smash for a while before returning to California where he performed and recorded with some notable musicians. He toured as guitarist with The Hoodoo Rhythm Devils. Bobby went on to a long collaboration with Barry Melton aka ‘The Fish’ (of Country Joe & the Fish) with whom he performed at the 2009 WestFest fiftieth anniversary Woodstock concert. He also worked with The Chambers Brothers, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Huey Lewis, and many others.
Bobby appeared on a 1975 LP by Terry Garthwaite (Joy of Cooking) titled “Terry.” He appeared on a 1977 LP by Barry Melton (former member of Country Joe & the Fish) “We Are Like the Ocean.” He appears on Michael DeJong Band albums “For Madmen Only”, and “Requiem for The Lonely.” In all Bob spent about 20 years in California before finally returning to the area, settling in Frederick. Since 1995 he has reunited with his former band mates performing in a group called River’s Edge, and the Natchez Trace Band (see Cherry Smash for the story). He paired up with well-known Frederick area guitarist Frank Davis as acoustic duo Frank ‘n’ Bob. They performed at wineries and clubs such as The Anvil and White Horse Tavern in Harper’s Ferry, Beans in The Belfry in Brunswick, Ayse-Meze in Frederick, Charles Town clubs, Thurmont Art & Wine Festival, Linganore Winery, and ten+ years hosting Sunday open mic’s and jams at Dave Reid’s Winery and Cider House near Gettysburg, PA.
Frank ‘n’ Bob photo and posters stolen from Bobby’s Facebook page
Bob Flurie Discography:
1977(45) Flurie 0001 Harlem Nocturne / Anybody’s Fool
1980(LP) Flurie 0002 Bob Flurie
1980(45) Flurie Orange Blossom Special / 101
2000(CD) Ssastar Wings of Silver – The California Years, originally recorded in 1980
2005(CD) Flurie Guitars Rule
2009(CD) Flurie Hole in The Ozone
2010(CD) CD Baby Alternative Universe
2013(CD) CD Baby Just for Laughs
2015(CD) CD Baby While You Were Sleeping
2017(CD) CD Baby Roy Buchanan’s Guitar
2020(CD) CD Baby Shifting Sands
2024 No Words
Bob Flurie on other artists records:
1975(LP) Arista 124 Terry Garthwaite – Terry
1975(LP) Tulip 2001 Billy Roberts & Grits – Thoughts of California
1978(LP) MIM 9007 Barry Melton – We Are Like the Ocean
1987(CD) Rag Baby 4.00373 Barry Melton – Level with Me
1997(CD) The Saloon SR1994 Barry ‘The Fish’ Melton – The Saloon Years
2009(CD) 6 Spices 6S 229008 Michael DeJong Band – For Madmen Only
2016(CD) Dutch Uncle 003 Michael DeJong Band – Requiem for The Lonely
