Versão em português: clique aqui
From Metal to Jazz. Get to know a little bit of the history of one of the incredible musicians of the Death family. He recorded Symbolic, one of the band’s 7 masterpieces, and is about to honor the memory of Chuck Schuldiner again on another Death to All tour.
Mondo Metal: To begin with, I’d like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you better.
Bobby Koelble: No problem, it’s my pleasure.
Mondo Metal: When did you first think of becoming a guitarist and how did that happen?
Bobby Koelble: I started out on the organ at age 6. I was happy with that instrument until I started getting into hard rock and heavy metal, which led me to believe it was time for a change. That happened at age 13.
Mondo Metal: You became widely known for your fantastic work on Death’s sixth album Symbolic. How did you start your relationship with them and what was it like to be involved with one of the best Death Metal bands of all time?
Bobby Koelble: I had met Chuck when we were both in high school. We had a mutual friend and had hung out before. Years later, when he was looking for a new guitarist, a different mutual friend referred me to him. We remembered each other from the past and hit it off very well. The experience of playing with Death was amazing, as you would expect. Really getting to know and play with Chuck and Gene is something that I am eternally grateful for.
Mondo Metal: Writing songs is a creative process with many facets, which is also very personal. Can you walk us through the songwriting process for Symbolic? How was it like to work with great names such as Chuck, Gene and Steve?
Bobby Koelble: All of the songs for Symbolic were written before I joined the band. I didn’t get to meet and work with Steve until last year’s Death To All tour.
Mondo Metal: How were they on a personal level?
Bobby Koelble: Very cool, extremely laid back. I lived pretty close to Chuck during that time, and Gene was living with him for a while, so we used to hang out quite a bit.
Mondo Metal: What was the gear you used to record Symbolic?
Bobby Koelble: I used a Mashall JCM 800 head with a Boss Overdrive/Distortion box. The guitar I played was a Washburn EC-29.
Mondo Metal: Death to All Tour. What was it like and will you be part of the upcoming 2013/14 tours? If so, will you be playing at that one show in Europe?
Bobby Koelble: It was very short and sweet. The rehearsals, shows and fans were all amazing. I wish I could say the same for the tour’s infrastructure, but that’s another story. It was the first time I got to hang out with Steve, Paul and Sean. Steve is a beast of a musician and a very cool, funny guy. Due to some interesting developments, the only show I will be a part of is the Neurotic Death Fest in Holland on May 3.
Mondo Metal: What are your main influences? Can you name a few idols?
Bobby Koelble: There are way to many to name. I listen to all kinds of music, but predominantly jazz. Some of my favorite guitarists are Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Pat Martino, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale and Kurt Rosenwinkel.
Mondo Metal: What bands do you usually listen to?
Bobby Koelble: As far as metal is concerned, I really like Gojira, Opeth, Ankla, Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad and a lot of the classic bands that you would expect. My favorite band is probably Faith No More. As I mentioned earlier, I listen to a lot of jazz and I don’t want to bore you with all of that haha.
Mondo Metal: Are you currently involved with any project/band?
Bobby Koelble: Over the last decade, I’ve written and performed with a rock/world music fusion group called Junkierush. I also have a jazz/fusion group called the Absinthe Trio. And I freelance with many diverse artists here in Central Florida.
Mondo Metal: Have you ever considered recording a solo album?
Bobby Koelble: Yes. I really need to do that haha. I have a mountain of jazz compositions that I intend to eventually record. I also have a full CD’s worth of metal compositions that I am attempting to have recorded. I became a dad for the first time in 2011 so that has been taking up a great deal of my time haha.
Mondo Metal: Changing the subject a little bit, what are the first things that come to mind when you hear the word Brazil?
Bobby Koelble: Sepultura! Actually, the first thing that comes to mind is bossa nova and samba. I’m a huge fan of the work of Antonio Carlos Jobim, whose compositions have had a huge influence on my own music.
Mondo Metal: Do you know/like any Brazilian band/musician of the old or current metal/non metal scene?
Bobby Koelble: Aside from whom I’ve mentioned, I like the work of Joao and Astrud Gilberto, as well as their daughter Bebel. I am also a big fan of the electronic musician and producer Suba, who was actually from eastern Europe but made a name for himself in São Paolo.
Mondo Metal: Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with us. It is now time for a message to all your fans, especially the Brazilian ones!
Bobby Koelble: Thank you all so much for keeping the music and memory of Chuck Schuldiner alive! I have never had the opportunity to visit your beautiful country, but hopefully that will change soon. In the meantime, you can check out my Youtube channel to see what I have been up to lately. Obrigado!!
Listen: Symbolic
