by Christopher Willow
– Guest Columnist —
With Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow rising once again the speculation arises as to what the winds of change will bring to this new incarnation of the band.
Former Blackmore’s Night bassist Bob Nouveau (aka Bob Curiano), and now a part of Rainbow’s rhythm section provides insight into group’s preparation for its upcoming tour.
Christopher Willow: How did you and Ritchie cross your paths again for Rainbow purpose?
Bob Nouveau: I simply got a call from Ritchie’s manager (Carol Stevens)… Ritchie wanted like to know if I would be interested in playing some rock shows with him in the newly reformed ‘Rainbow’. I did not have to think too long about that answer… of course, you know the answer was YES!!
Christopher Willow: When did you meet up for the first rehearsal?
Bob Nouveau: I think the first rehearsal was in November.
Christopher Willow: Did you and Ritchie experiment on how the bass line should sound like for current Rainbow live performances?
Bob Nouveau: I’m happy to say that Ritchie gives me a lot of freedom to play what I like … it makes my job a lot of fun!
Christopher Willow: Where was the first rehearsal, I mean the venue and what songs did you try?
Bob Nouveau: Ah ha! You want classified information! The rehearsal was on planet Earth … and the songs? You have to ask my boss!
Christopher Willow: What brand or brands of bass guitars are you going to use for Rainbow? It is cool Ritchie gives you a lot of freedom. Are you going to play more Roger’s plectrum style or more Glenn’s picturesque one?
Bob Nouveau: I probably will play my old Fender Jazz Bass, and also bring another bass … I don’t know which one yet. I really don’t play bass with a plectrum that much, but I do like Roger Glover’s style
Christopher Willow: Are you going to do any backing vocals for Ronnie Romero?
Bob Nouveau: I’m not sure how much I’ll be singing, but I think it’s safe to say I’ll be doing some backing vocals with Ronnie. Ronnie is the main man! But thanks for asking!
Christopher Willow: When you play a bass solo, you like to play it just alone or to the other instrument? For example, Cozy Powell played sometimes his solo to the organ.
Bob Nouveau: Most of the time I like playing bass solos with a light rhythm (drums) supporting me, and/or light keyboard playing chords. Honestly, because I play other instruments I think bass solos are not the most interesting for me … but still a lot of fun!
Christopher Willow: When having rehearsals, what excites you the most?
Bob Nouveau: Rehearsals get exciting for me when we find new and better ways of doing things … things that make us special and distinctive. Good collaboration is important in creating the band’s sound and identity. It’s also important that there are no problems or difficulties with personalities in the band. As you know, problems like this can destroy a band. So far we are all smiling!
Christopher Willow: How do you connect with the drummer David Keith? Deep Purple and Rainbow have had a very significant sound of the rhythm section. Have you established any special construction of the rhythm line ( bass and drums) for the new Rainbow?
Bob Nouveau: I’m sure David and I will develop our ‘sound’. It takes time for this to happen but remember, Ritchie picked the both of us for a reason. I think we will develop fast.
Christopher Willow: Ritchie was always very demanding if it is about bass sound and bass players. He has chosen you. What do you think he likes you?
Bob Nouveau: So maybe you should really ask Ritchie why he picked me. Yes, sure he must like my bass playing, but don’t forget that in Blackmore’s Night I also played a lot of guitar with Ritchie.
I also can play some keyboard, and sing, and also have ideas that help with arranging … so my opinion is that he picked me because of my overall musicianship. Thank you, Ritchie. I hope I’m right!
Christopher Willow: Have you ever played within strictly hard rock band before Rainbow?
Bob Nouveau: Yes. The “Backstreet Boys’ (laughs). You know, I just told that little story on my Facebook page… anyway seriously…
When I was young, I played a lot of hard rock and blues in clubs with bands that were not famous. Interesting that a lot of the music we played were from some of Ritchie’s favorite bands like ‘Mountain’, Jethro Tull’, and ‘The Vanilla Fudge’…
Christopher Willow: Why did you stop playing with Blackmore’s Night in 2008?
Bob Curiano: I stopped playing with Blackmore’s Night to spend more time with my family and to take care of a lot of business I had in the New York area.
Christopher Willow: What type of music do you like to listen to at home?
Bob Nouveau: I am influenced by all genres of music… so I listen to a big variety. Soon I will be releasing some original music which contains many styles… you will see. At the end of my ‘Little message to the Rainbow Fans’ (on my Facebook page), there are two short commercials for two songs I am working on called ‘Mambo Spielplatz’, and ‘Mission a Go Go’ … both completely different styles.
Christopher Willow: Have any practical jokes or funny stories happened while you were at rehearsal with Rainbow so far?
Bob Nouveau: The last rehearsal ended with some jamming on songs like ‘Hey Joe’, ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, and ‘Born to Be Wild’ … funny, and great 1960’s nostalgia!
Christopher Willow: How is this version of Rainbow going to sound as you will be playing Deep Purple and Rainbow material ? So what can you tell about the sound of the band?
Bob Nouveau: I think what makes this band a bit special is that we have the ability to play all the different styles of the many ‘Deep Purple’ and ‘Rainbow’ lineups throughout the decades … and we can do it by also combining it with our own individual styles and personalities. I wish we had more time to develop our own unique sound. I can hear it coming and it could be really exciting!
Christopher Willow: Do you (I mean you and the rest of the band) and Ritchie think of composing any new song for June Rainbow concerts to perform it live?
Bob Nouveau: I don’t think there is much time for that (original songs) right now … there is too much work just learning everything else for the shows.
Christopher Willow: How do you connect with Jens, David, and Ronnie? What feelings have you had when last rehearsing with Rainbow?
Bob Nouveau: Right now we all get along really well together, and we all want this to be the best it can be in such a short time.
Christopher Willow: What message can you send to all Rainbow fans awaiting for June concerts?
Bob Nouveau: Remember these shows will be the first shows we have ever played … please understand we’re trying hard and we really need your support to build our confidence so we can do more shows and get better and better!
Visit the band online: https://www.facebook.com/ritchieblackmore/
