Bob Livingston has never been a traditional Texas country musician living the honky-tonk life, even though he has spent more than half his career on the roadhouse circuit with some of Texas' most colorful musicians. Lubbock, TX was where it all began, but Bob moved to Austin after playing on Michael Martin Murphey's album, Geronimo's Cadillac. In this new music mecca, it wasn't long until Bob hooked up with Jerry Jeff Walker and joined his band. They toured and recorded several albums, including the 1973's quintessential progressive country rock album, Viva Terlingua! Soon after, Livingston, Gary P. Nunn, and John Inmon founded The Lost Gonzo Band, recording two records for MCA (Lost Gonzo Band & Thrills) and one for Capitol (Signs of Life). Rolling Stone called the Gonzo's self-titled debut record, "one of the best albums to ever come out of Austin."
Bob & fellow members of The Lost Gonzo Band (Gary P. Nunn, John Inmon, Lloyd Maines, Paul Pearcy, Kelly Dunn) made a Reunion appearance at the Kerrville Folk Festival in '08, which blew the socks off the audience. You didn't have to be there to enjoy their rockin' Texas songs....the Lost Gonzo Girl Scouts recorded the show live and this CD is available.
That's Bob's past experience with other singer-songwriters, but what about his own personal journey and works? Livingston has earned the reputation of 'cosmic cowboy' in the truest sense. He's looked into music and mysteries of other cultures and tours in countries like India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and Vietnam. Inspired by his tours to India, he released a new CD in 2004 for Vireo Records called Mahatma Gandhi & Sitting Bull. The Austin-American Statesman chose it as one of the top-ten records of 2004. He has been playing across the USA and abroad, promoting his new compilation album, Orginal Spirit. Another new CD will be released in fall '09.
Bob is a musical ambassador par excellence and has put together a multi-cultural group of musicians from Texas & India called Cowboys & Indians, which is in its 14th year of being sponsored by the City of Austin and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Bob wove this concept into a full-fledged musical play, which began playing in May '08. On his creative radar screen, Bob & his son, Tucker, are working on a documentary film about their musical journeys through India, Africa, and the Middle East.
Bob is also being archived by the Texas Tech University Southwest Collection of Musicians. They are doing in-depth interviews to be released in a book by Texas Tech Press. He serves as the Director of Texas Music International, Inc. in Austin, TX. Currently, Bob is in the middle of a tour of West Texas, NM, and CO, where he will be the opening act for Lyle Lovett in Durango, CO, at the Ft. Lewis Football Stadium.
For more information, visit Bob's website, www.TexasMusic.org. There is also information there about The Lost Gonzo Band. To hear more song clips, visit www.myspace.com/boblivingston. Words of support about Bob's new CD:
"Its great to hear an album from an Austin musician that doesn't revolve around frat boy patronization.....What you will find is an adult album aimed at the Country crowd from a longtime Texas music hero....Bob Livingston is no newcomer; however, his time has arrived to take center stage!"
--Bruce Kidder, Program Director KHYI, Dallas
Suggested donation is $15 per person, if prepaid and $18 per person at the door. Make reservations by calling 903/583-2661, leaving the # of seats desired & contact information (phone; e-mail address). To prepay, make checks to Bob Livingston and mail to Faye Wedell; P.O. Box 812; Bonham, TX 75418 by August 12th. Refunds will be made for any cancellations made by August 12th. Seating is limited to 50 guests. Refreshments of tea, coffee, juices, & snacks will be served during the performance break by hosts. An optional $1 per person cash donation helps to defray costs. Afterward, there will be a Potluck Salad Buffet for those wishing to stay for more R&R. A Song Circle for those wishing to "jam" or just listen will follow...either on the deck or inside. Please specify whether you need directions to Wildscape Acres/Harmony House and whether you intend to stay for the Potluck afterward. It helps Faye, if you sign up for a dish in advance, as she will have a list/categories......no one wants to eat 15 different potato salads in one evening!!