Bob Smith - Back
on stage with Smithfield Fair since 2005, Bob has appeared on most Smithfield
Fair albums. A graphic designer and photographer, he has assumed
direction of the band's album design, designed the new logo, and his
photographs adorn the covers of Winds of Time, Walking Through This World,
Swept Away and 20420. A member of Charmer with Jan & Dudley-Brian, he
appeared on all of that group's 8 albums. Bob was a kit drummer
in a number of jazz, folk-rock and rock bands prior to switching to bass.
Initially taught by his father to play the upright bass, Bob played electric
bass in rock and folk-rock bands. Seeking a more acoustic sound for
Charmer, similar to the upright bass but with more portability, Bob switched to
the Guild B-50 acoustic bass, which has become his trademark since 1978.
A student of Japanese culture, Bob lived in Kobe studying samarai sword making and
repair and continues those interests and pursuits. He speaks fluent
Japanese.