Bob Stannard is an eighth generational Vermonter, who’s been playing and singing the blues since 1969 when he quit playing the drums and took up the harmonica. A self-taught blues harmonica player and singer now endorsed by SEYDEL Harmonicas of Germany, Mr. Stannard has enjoyed playing for a variety of audiences around the world.
Mr. Stannard has played with numerous musicians throughout the world including Sandra Wright of Nashville and the late Big Joe Burrell; formerly of the BB King band. He has also played with Rick Redington, Duane Carleton. He had Dennis Wilmott, Tommy Buckley, Jason Corbiere and Nick Sherman and Bill Carruth join him on one of his albums, which also included guest appearances from Grammy and W.C. Handy award winning pianist, DAVID MAXWELL and west coast harmonica virtuoso, MARK HUMMEL.
Mr. Stannard has joined BB King on stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland. When world famous author, Stephen King, visited Manchester, Stannard convinced him to don a Gibson Special Issue guitar and sit in with the band. Mr. Stannard has also opened for and/or played with Blues legends, John Hammond, Chris Smither, Maria Muldaur, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Lynard Skynard, Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi and Issac Hayes. He has also appeared on stage with the amazing David “Honey Boy” Edwards. In April of ’09, Bob was invited on stage to join his all-time idol, Charlie Musselwhite for a killer rendition of “Movin’ and Grovin'”
Mr. Stannard has gained notoriety as an exciting performer known for quick licks and showmanship. His talent got him invited to perform at the 36th Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux with BB King. He has performed for the cadets of West Point. His first CD, “Made in Vermont – Live Performances for Obscure but Popular Places” was released at a live performance at the historic Dorset Theatre in Dorset, Vermont on June 27, 2004.
Bob has been married to Alison Stannard for over 30 years and has two and a half grown children and one granddaughter, Thyra Grayce Hairston, who now rules his life.
“A great friend and a wonderful harmonica player” – Claude Nobs, Founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
“You ain’t got nothin’ to worry about” – BB King
“You’re a great player, man” – John Hammond
“You’re somethin’ Stannard” – Floyd Lieberman; BB King’s manager