Faculty / Staff

Bob Boss

  • Studio Faculty
  • Guitar

Born in Killeen, Texas, 1952. Raised in California. Picked up electric guitar at age 11. Began performing at school dances and parties in junior high.

Became increasingly interested in improvisation. Studied with Jerry Hahn in 1971. Continued to play in clubs and concerts while a student at CSU Chico. Completed a Masters in Humanities in 1975, and chose music as a full time career.

Moved to Berkeley, California in 1977. Worked throughout the Bay Area for several years, performing with Vince Wallace, Baomi, Smiley Winters and many others. Travelled to New Mexico to work with Sherman Rubin backing Eddie Harris, Richie Cole and Red Rodney. Studied with Bobby Addison. Recorded three albums as a sideman. Worked clubs, casuals, concerts,
musical theater etc.

Since moving to Oceanside in 1983, I've worked all over San Diego with many great musicians, including "Doc" James Williams, Ray Crawford, Joe Marillo, Mike Wofford, A.J. Croce and Jimmy & Jeannie Cheatham. Also presented workshops and clinic/concerts at the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts with Marshall Hawkins and Seahawk Music featuring guest artists such as Daniel Jackson and Harry Pickens. Performed with Nick Brignola, Rickey Woodard and Jeff Clayton. Faculty member at UCSD, teaching Jazz Guitar, for two years. Palomar College Instructor for three years. Regular contributor to Jazz Link Magazine. Recorded with A.J. Croce for Private Music and with Seahawk for Park Hill.

I have toured extensively in the United States performing at many festivals (including Wolf Trap, Pine Knob, Idyllwild, Winter Park, Ravinia and Peter Britt), clubs and schools. I have also travelled to Europe, Canada and Mexico to play concerts large and small. Appeared on The Tonight Show w/Jay Leno, CBS This Morning, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, KUSI, NBC and on national tv in France, Holland and Belgium. Performed in the Summer Pops series with the San Diego Symphony.

Currently freelancing with several bands in San Diego including work with Seahawk, Dave Pike, Marguerita Page and Holly Hofmann. Performing often in San Diego, Palm Springs and Los Angeles. Teaching privately and at San Diego State University.