“One of UK's best kept secrets of the last 30 years.” – It's Psychedelic Baby
Bob Theil is a Scottish born singer-songwriter and guitarist, steeped in the tradition of the great acoustic troubadours from the UK scene circa 1965 and onwards. His songs and music recall what for many is considered a halcyon period when the likes of Roy Harper, Bert Jansch, Michael Chapman, Richard Thompson and Al Stewart to name a few, were plying their trade in the UK clubs and college circuit. His voice, writing and guitar playing are an eclectic mix of folk and rock influences.
Other obvious influences at the time were Bob Dylan, Sandy Denny, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake as well as a mix of artists such as Jethro Tull, Rory Gallagher, Led Zeppelin, Genesis.
The use of mainly 12 string acoustic/electric guitar in his unique picking (finger and plectrum) style lends itself perfectly to songs that are an evocative mixture of Celtic atmosphere on the one hand, to at other times an acoustic rock sound that has been likened to Pink Floyd. In a way, this comparison is understandable given the Gilmouresque electric leads featured on a few tracks on his debut LP "So Far" (1982).