Gabe Reilly Remembers Bobby Sheehan

The last time that I saw Bob play was also the first time I met him in my many years of being a Traveler. Last June, Bob swung by New York City with New Orleans blues man John Mooney. Bob played with John at a small bar in my neighborhood (Manny's Car Wash) and there couldn't have been more than 150 people there. Well, Bob, not John Mooney (as great a musician as he is) was the main attraction. For that show, Bob kicked it old school with the old Fender 4 string Jazz Bass. It took me back to the early days of Blues Traveler, with Bob jamming away at the bass. I realized how much I been through as a fan of the band, and how great an influence the band has been on my musical career. Bob was in true form that night, living it up in that crammed bar, taking it back to the old school era of Traveler. I got to meet him after the show, and all the stories that I've heard about Bob's being such a great guy still didn't do his persona justice. He loved the music and the fans, and I couldn't be more happy that I finally got to meet the bassman. Everytime I play, Bob Sheehan's groove will be with me and live on in my music.

Gabe Reilly
New York City