Groveland’s Bob Bunce has done the singer songwriter presentation of his tunes for many years, assembling a supporting cast, with a new recording project happening about every eighteen months. Gary Holt and Zak Mendoza have been the go to rhythm section for Bob’s last 3 CD releases, but the live presentations have been mostly one time shows with a contingent of supporting players who did the studio time . Genesee Johnny, Tom Tramontona, Joe Dady, Herb Heins, Matt Ramerman, Rita Coulter, to name a few. Bob’s newest release “RANDI- pronounced Rand-eye”, is a collection of songs culled from Bob’s recently passed brother’s Journals. Don Christiano supported the project with his guitar work and joins the band with Rita Coulter- vocals, Gary Holt - bass guitar, Zak Mendoza - drums, Joe Dady - fiddle, mandolin and harmonica, and Bob on guitar and vocals.
“Bob Bunce’s Rural delivery released a new album, further proof that Americana is a label for those who defy labels. “ Settle down in Mecklinburg “, the opening track sets the tone for the album. A vision of rural New York as an oasis for those “gettin’ out of control”. Zak Mendoza’s shuffle beat and Gary Holt’s metronome like bass line frame the surreal landscape where its “ all goin’ down”. Formost is Joe daddy’s fiddle, like the voice of the insistant grade school teacher, an (albeit agreeable) reality check”. Put yourself on the corner of Fillmore Street and Geary Boulevard, late 60’s/early 70’s. The guitar sounds coming from the open stage door are reprised in “Walkin’ the blue”. Don Christiano’s leads (which in this case seem to alternate between homages to George Harrison or Rodger McGuinn) propel the theme. Anyone who has overspent more than a few passing hours will identify
“Rose Colored Glasses” as an exorcism with every truism and cliche’ one never wanted to hear. Bob Bunce’s tounge and cheek delivery of the lines is spot on as are the harmonies provided by Rita Coulter. Merle would have loved this song.” - CM Barons
“ Musically, the album is textbook Rural Delivery, save for the electronic madness on the Captain Beefheart-in-space song “Spirits Lifted” and on the aptly titled “ So Let’s Rock !” where Bunce turns it up and lets the guitar out of the corral. A fitting tribute any musician would be proud of.” - Frank De Blase, Rochester City Paper
“ The band is unique and plays all original music, written by Bob Bunce. The music is a delightful blend of rock-a-billy, jazz, country and rock and roll. We have never heard anything comparable. Gary Holt, Joe Dady, Zak Mendoza, Bob Bunce and Rita Coulter REALLY deliver,
rural or otherwise. - Kathryn Fitzsimmons, LC News