Benjamin Bob Bado, known by friends and supporters as “B”, is an ORIGINAL Singer / Songwriter / Guitarist / Saxophonist who's been playing and performing over the past 4 decades. His style is an ECLECTIC BLEND of Blues, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, Classical, Funk, and Metal.
“B”s vocal influences include Nat King Cole, B.B. King, Patsy Kline, King Diamond, Colin Hay, Jeff Buckley, John Wozniak and Livingston Taylor. His many guitar influences include B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Frank Zappa, Robert Cray, Leo Kottke, and the INCOMPARABLE Tommy Emmanuel, plus scores of others.
“B”s love for music began as a very young child. He grew up next door to an Apostolic Church with a DIVERSE congregation, and the POWERFUL music that emanated from that TINY building was ABSOLUTELY SURREAL, and MOVED HIM DEEPLY.
“B” began singing in Kindergarten, at the age of 5yrs old, to a church congregation of 300+. He started taking saxophone lessons in the 5th Grade and played Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Sax throughout his Grade/Middle/High School Years in Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Marching Band... along with being a Contra Tenor in Choir. He began playing guitar in his Senior Year of High School and was voted the "MOST MUSICAL" Superlative (out of 500+ students), in his Class of '94 Yearbook.
A primarily self-taught guitarist,“B” took a handful of lessons with Carmen Caramanica (“Smokin' Joe” Bonamassa’s guitar teacher and mentor) and with Jaime Andreas, the internationally renowned creator of “Guitar Principles” methodology.
“B” attended Boston University (College of Engineering), and while still in Boston/Cambridge, began playing in numerous bands, gigging Locally / Regionally / Nationally, as well as recording several EP's and LP's with several prominent local groups at the time.
Over the years “B” has enjoyed the privilege of singing back-up vocals for Barry Manilowand playing saxophone with Jimmy Buffett in Nantucket. He also spent 2 years performing as a key membor of now lengendary Boston touring band “Kicked In The Head”, which, during “B”s time with the band, headlined at CBGB and the original Knitting Factory in New York City, opened for dozens of national headlining acts, played the northeast leg of Warped Tour, played at scores of colleges and universities, participated in featured radio interviews, and won The Boston Music Awards (TWICE).
While living in Central Coastal California, “B” had the honor and pleasure of MENTORING and LEADING an ALL CHILDREN’S Soul/Rythym & Blues Band (ages ranging from 10-12 years old) called “The Soul Mates” from 2011 - 2013. They played at several of Monty Robert’s (Legendary Horse-Whisperer) private parties, opened for Samuel De Palma (International Opera Star), and WON 2nd Place in the Battle of the Bands: Santa Barbara.
After a 10-year hiatus and a move to Spokane, WA, “B” has recently been re-inspired to perform LIVE again. Since June 2023 “B” has performed LIVE in Spokane at Terra Blanca and Left Bank Wineries, Magnolia American Brasserie (in Hotel Indigo), Brick West Brewing, One Tree Cider House, Natural 20 Brewing Co., The Red Room, Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop, The South Perry Street Fair, North Point Village Senior Living, and several private events, as well as in Idaho at The Hive in Sandpoint and The 2023 Wallace Blues Festival.
“B” looks forward to playing at more venues in the Inland NW, Nationally, and Internationally… and to meeting many new Friends, Musical Colleagues, and Supporters!
