Volume 33 Number 6 July 8, 2009

In honor of Bob Blum
Legendary players reunite at Riley’s Pub

By Dan Golden

The first Sunday of June was set aside for a reunion of some of the area’s legendary performing musicians. The place was Riley’s Pub, located at the corner of S.E. 92nd and Foster near I-205. The focal point of this historic gathering was the friends, fellow band mates and fans of guitarist and vocalist Bob Blum. Phil Richards, the proprietor of Riley’s and a colleague of Blum, hailed him as one of the pioneers of the modern Portland musical scene. This lively party also drew a number of other noted local artists, who joined in a massive jam session that lasted all afternoon and into the evening hours.

Richards has operated Riley’s Pub for the last 15 years and is also a longtime member of the area musical community. His friendships with others that helped usher in the city’s nightclub scene as it is known today, is vast and loyal. The tribute to Blum, who seems to have played with nearly everyone you’ve ever heard of, was “an excuse to throw a heck of an all-star band back together one more time.” And what a line-up it turned out to be. The names alone would fill many column inches; however, a short list of musicians and their “credentials” is impressive enough.

Some of the great local players joining Blum in making some really tasty music that day include Steve West, who played with ‘60’s rock and roll stalwarts Paul Revere and The Raiders; guitarist Leon Smith, who worked with Willie Nelson when he was just a young lad and had a Top 40 hit in 1959 with Little ’40 Ford; and Gretsch Guitar Endorsee Bobby Gibson, a well known entertainer in his own right, along with his bass-playing wife Carol Gibson, who still travels extensively as a representative of the respected Gretsch guitar line, says, “I’ve been on 39 jets in 12 weeks!” a brutal schedule for anyone. His son Duane is carrying on the family’s musical tradition, playing with the band Exit 9 at Jollie’s in Ridgefield, Wash. in the jam every Sunday.

The list of players goes on and on. Upon your arrival, towards dinner time, Linda Copeland’s lush vocals greeted your ears. Marcie Parrish was there on bass. Kurt Nichols added some classic pedal steel licks. Switching in and out of this impressive bunch were Ernie Holland, Denny Kelso, Jimmy Vee, Danny Tibbets, Catus Davis and many others. Players were set up on the stage, another group flanking the side lines and fans dancing, singing along and enjoying every minute. There was lots of reminiscing about the “good ol’ days” and a great spread of food, including three types of deviled eggs, orchestrated by “First Lady” Kathy Richards, Phil’s wife and “right hand person” at the club. As the party wore on, the music never wore out, and a memorable time was had by all.

The fun at Riley’s continues seven nights a week with Karaoke and live music by Phil Richards, good food, Oregon Lottery games and a full service bar. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, and an internet jukebox provides the sound track for the good times ahead. There is also bingo Monday and Tuesday afternoons and good vibes all day long. Stop by and soak in the good feeling you’ll find there.