Bio - Bob Stannard 

Bob Stannard is an eighth generational Vermonter, who’s been playing and singing the blues for 35 years.  A self-taught blues harmonica player recently recognized as a "Preferred Player" of Lee Oskar Harmonicas, Inc., Mr. Stannard has enjoyed playing for a variety of audiences around the world.

Stannard began him musical career playing drums.  When the drums became too cumbersome to carry around, he bought his first “C” harmonica in the fall of '69.  He’s played ever since.

Mr. Stannard has played with numerous musicians around Vermont including Sandra Wright of Nashville and Big Joe Burrell; formerly of the BB King band.  Rick Redington, Duane Carleton, and many others have jammed with Stannard when he's in the house.  He co-founded the Vt. Blues Project and the Free Vt. Band.  Bob has also appeared with Joan Duval McGee and Foundation Band of New Orleans.

Bob 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 his band.  Mr. Stannard has also opened for Blues legends, John Hammond, Chris Smither, Maria Muldaur, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi and Issac Hayes.  He has also appeared on stage with the amazing David “Honey Boy” Edwards; an 88 yr old blues guitarist who hung with Robert Johnson; the father of American Blues.

Mr. Stannard has gained notoriety as an exciting performer known for quick licks and showmanship.  His talent got him and Chris Kleeman invited to play at the 36th and 38th Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux with BB King.  With the Chris Kleeman Band, he performed for the cadets of West Point.  Their new 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 31years and has three grown children.

"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

Contact Information:

Robert J. Stannard    

117 Sleepy Hollow  Drive

Manchester Center, Vt  05255 

phone/fax:  (802) 362-3658 

E-mail: bob@bobstannard.com

Bob Stannard is recognized as a

Preferred Player of Lee Oskar Diatonic Harmonicas