Bob McAlpine - guitar

Bob McAlpine has been an in-demand session player and "go-to" guitar man on the Toronto music scene for many years. His guitar work has been heard on scores of albums, television shows and jingles. He has actively conducted guitar workshops and clinics, and has written guitar columns for Canadian Musician magazine.

Bob's versatility and sight-reading skills have landed him work with such diverse artists as David Clayton-Thomas (guitar sub; 2005-present), Roger Whittaker (2005 tour), Gowan (Strange Animal/Criminal Mind tour 1985-86), Rik Emmett, the Canadian Idol House Band, A Foot In Coldwater, Rich Little, Joan Rivers, Shirley MacLaine, and a host of R&B stars including Ben E. King, Martha Reeves, Mary Wilson, The Chambers Brothers, Freda Payne, and Little Anthony and the Imperials.

He also filled in as a regular sub guitar player for the Toronto productions of Hairspray, Rock Of Ages, and the Queen musical We Will Rock You, where he subbed for both guitar players and thereby had the honour of playing every Brian May solo and harmony part in the show. Amidst all his freelance gigs and session work, Bob has managed to perform regularly with a few notable Toronto bands: Nightfly (corporate and clubs; 1990-2000), Pretzel Logic (10-piece Steely Dan tribute; 1993-present), and Brass Transit (Chicago tribute; 2008-present).

Bob was recently awarded a first place finish (out of 25 competitors from around the world) at the Canadian Guitar Festival, where he performed 3 songs from his solo acoustic recording, Energy Over Distance, and won the title of 2014 Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Champion.