Bobby Fingeroth

Good songs are difficult, if not impossible, to find in the mainstream these days. You have to dig deep or walk curbside on the Pop Chart Highway to find strong songwriting and creative musicianship. With New York City-based singer songwriter Bobby Fingeroth, however, serving the song takes center stage. Bobby’s emotionally flexible voice – which strongly recalls Ed Kowlcyzk of Live – and lyrically engaging songwriting draws from musical influences such as Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Counting Crows and Blues Traveler, all bands he discovered and fell in love with while studying at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, Bobby felt disenchanted with the traditional graduate school/corporate career path, and took solace in the meaningful songs of those bands. The music inspired him to learn acoustic guitar, which he picked up quickly. Within six months Bobby had written his first song, and found his calling.

As Bobby accumulated a cache of original material, he knew he needed to assemble a live band in order to give these songs a proper voice, and began searching NYC’s music scene for like-minded musicians. Through a series of chance meetings, fortunate introductions and good deal of synchronicity, Bobby met local guitarist and producer Riley McMahon (of noteworthy local band Spottiswoode and His Enemies). The two musicians shared a distinct creative chemistry and performed together live for the first time at CB's Gallery in the fall of 2001. Soon after, Riley, who had assumed the role of Musical Director, brought in drummer Tim Vaill (also of Spottiswoode). After a series of revolving door members, Joe Deninzon (of the jam band Stratospherius) joined the group on violin and mandolin, while bassist Matt Lindsey completed the line up. “I feel so lucky to be playing with these guys,” says Bobby. “They’re all amazingly talented players.”

In the spring of 2004, Bobby booked sessions at Brooklyn’s Mission Sound and New Warsaw Studio to record songs that would become Bobby Fingeroth’s debut CD, Dilettante. Of the album’s title, Bobby explains, “I chose Dilettante because I wanted to use either a lyric or a song title from the record. That song seemed to summarize me more than any of the others. It’s the only one that’s self-deprecating and I can be a fairly self-deprecating person. But ‘Dilettante’ is also about self-acceptance. The chorus, ‘So maybe I’m a dilettante/A jack of all trades master of none/A dilettante/When the fun stops I’m done’ addresses how I often get to a point of no return with certain hobbies, jobs or even relationships. If it stops being fun or functional, I just call it quits. Some might stick with unpleasant situations because they’re afraid of being judged as undisciplined or flighty, but I think it’s healthy to move on if something stops working for you.”

Expertly produced, engineered and arranged by Riley McMahon, Dilettante features nine of Bobby’s original compositions plus one song, “Violet” penned by McMahon. The songs of Dilettante come alive with lyrics of substance, compelling vocals and captivating musical arrangements. The use of traditionally non-rock instruments like violin, banjo, lap steel and mandolin infuse Bobby’s appealing classic rock-meets-roots rock with a touch of bluegrass and even reggae. “I do like bluegrass as a flavor in rock music, but the influence was unintentional,” Bobby explains. “It probably has more to do with the acoustic violin or mandolin on several of the songs. Those instruments seem to fit so naturally with my music, and if you put violin or mandolin on a song, I think it automatically gives it a bluegrass feel.” Bobby credits McMahon, who also plays electric, lap steel and mandoguitar amongst other instruments on the album, with having the musical ear and sensitivity to bring out the best in Bobby’s songs and in all the instrumental performances.

A common theme throughout many of the songs is the challenge of staying optimistic amid life’s disappointments while having the courage to stay true to one’s self. The inspirational rock groove of "Canaan," which received Honorable Mention in the 2001 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, addresses romantic disillusionment amid the belief that true and lasting love is still possible. Similarly, the Led Zeppelin-esque rocker, “Better When The Morning Comes” examines the frustration of searching for a soul mate and the fresh hope of finding love and deep human connection that’s reborn each day. On the poignant ballad "Separate Ways," Bobby says goodbye to a friend from whom he’s become estranged, while holding on to the possibility of one day rekindling the relationship. The upbeat, reggae flavored "BSF" is a tribute to Bobby’s grandmother on her 85th birthday, with insightful lyrics that illuminate her colorful life and strong character.

Bobby Fingeroth has performed his unique brand of edgy, contemplative rock for enthusiastic audiences at popular NYC venues like The Mercury Lounge, Fez, Arlene Grocery(where he once drew a crowd of over one hundred people in the middle of a frigid NYC winter!), The Knitting Factory, The Baggot Inn, CB’s Gallery and Lion’s Den. “Now that Dillettante is out,” says Bobby, “I want to play some new NYC clubs, perform more frequently and branch out to do some regional touring at clubs and colleges. Right now, music is where my heart is, and my dream is to eventually make a living as a recording and touring artist.”