Bob Cairns

Guitarist, Robert (Bobby) Edward Cairns b.: Aug. 8, 1942 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan d.: Nov. 21, 2020, of COVID. Canadian guitarist, arranger, composer, teacher and engineer. Began his professional career as the guitarist for Tommy Banks at the age of sixteen. He studied with Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, Joe Pass, and had a close relationship with Lenny Breau, passing information both ways. Bobby studied arranging and composition with Bobby Hales, Spud (Lyle) Murphy, Bill Russo, Luigi Zaninelli, Ray Sikora, and Bob Myers (Academic Dean Berkley College). Bobby represented Canada at Jazz Festivals around the world as a lecturer, adjudicator and performer. Bobby’s custom jazz style and musical expertise allowed him to work in a variety of settings from the writing and production of television themes, documentary films, and commercial jingles to appearances with symphony orchestras in both pop and classical concerts. As Chair of the Guitar Program at Grant MacEwan College for over thirty years, Bobby helped to create and establish one of the most respected music programs in Canada. Bobby was a JUNO award winner with the Tommy Banks Band and a JUNO nominee for his trio album "Indelible".