Bob David Bell: An acoustic singer/songwriter travelling the narrow path

Tuesday 1st January 2002

BOB DAVID BELL answers Tony Cummings's questions.

Bob David Bell
Bob David Bell

Tony: Who are you?

Bob: I'm 25 and come from a wee toon in East Lothian called Tranent. I started writing songs at the age of about 13, some which I recorded on our old stereo at home (using a traffic cone and a golf club as a music stand, much to the amusement of my family!). With
encouragement from friends and persverence over the years, my songs got better and I decided to make a proper recording, which became the "Narrow Path".

Tony: What inspires you? Choose two songs on your recording and unpack the lyrics for us.

Bob: I'm inspired by God, people and various trials and joys that life throws at us; spiritual or not! "All I Need To Do", one of the first songs I wrote, was inspired by 1st Peter 5 v 7. Knowing God is just a prayer away is such a comfort. When the pressure is on, we can talk to God. He's been here. He knows what it's like to suffer.
"Your Time" is about patience. This was written when my wife and I were looking for our first house; a trying time! It brought to light that even when I don't wait for God, he waits for me. So much energy can be wasted worrying instead of getting on our knees before God.

Tony: Have you done any live concerts yet?

Bob: I have only done a few solo concerts in my local area but would like to do a lot more over the UK. I have also sung at five weddings and will be singing for a dedication service in January. Over the past few years I've sung at various outreach/worship events in Edinburgh.

Tony: What do you hope to be doing in music in, say, five years' time?

Bob: By then I hope to have more recordings and be better known locally and further afield. If it's God's will, I would like to be involved in songwriting full time. My prayer is that people who listen to my songs will be able to relate and be encouraged. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About Tony Cummings
Tony CummingsTony Cummings is the music editor for Cross Rhythms website and attends Grace Church in Stoke-on-Trent.


 

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