Chuck Webb Bio

Rob Shotwell was born November 18th, 1952 in Pomona, California. He grew up in Fresno, California. He developed an ear for music and his skill on guitar at an early age. As a late teen he played with a group called “Kactus,” playing folk, gospel, country, and bluegrass. Around 1975 he played in a 3-piece band named “Risin” with Connie Kundert and Michael McLean. This band highlighted Rob’s strong vocal talent. He played 12-string guitar and banjo in this group. They worked three nights a week at the original Shakey’s on J & 57th.
A big shift came into Rob’s music path in 1979. He founded “Bite the Bullet” Band. Along with Gary Rovetti (Pedal Steel), Ronnie Elkan (Fiddle), Steve Small (Bass) and Jack Androvich (Drums) he was able to fulfill a dream of playing a steady diet of Western Swing Music. The Band started at the Crazy Horse Saloon in Nevada City, CA. and was an instant hit. The band all dressed to the max in satin western shirts.
In Rob’s words, “I lean more towards a traditional repertoire, and I try to provide that basic kind of structure in our songs on electric or acoustic guitar, plus some banjo here and there. I began as a “folkie” back in the sixties and seventies, and kind of graduated to country and Western Swing. Some of my favorite influences include Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, Hank Williams Sr., Sons of the Pioneers, Asleep at the Wheel and many others.”
Bite the Bullet is still working 36 years later. The band went through many changes along the way. Somehow Rob managed to take some time off to work in the oil fields of Bakersfield, get married to Cecelia, get a degree, raise three sons, and work for Nevada County and Yuba County before retiring. All that and never missed a downbeat. Among doing some great shows, like being on the same bill as Reba McEntire in 1989, the highlight was working as the house band at the famous Yellow Rose in Sacramento for 3 years. The combination of Rob singing with Shelley Elkan (Whitney) at the time brought Bite the Bullet to a new level. Rob has always had a love for good harmony.
Rob always said, “Swing music in particular has always been fun to arrange, because there is a lot of room for turning the ‘pickers loose and lettin’ ‘em COOK!”
Bite the Bullet has played regularly at the Western Swing Society Dances since 2005. Unfortunately, Rob had to make a tough decision around 2011. He had lost his hearing in one ear and in fear of playing electric music with drums in back of him, he stepped down from the band. He saved himself for a career in Bluegrass music and formed a band called Banner Mountain Boys. They are a very busy band. Even with his busy schedule he still is an active member of Bite The Bullet and still performs with them whenever they do an acoustic show.
He has always been so proud that five members of his Bite The Bullet band, Ronnie Elkan, Shelley Elkan, Conrad Nelson, Cliff Bizendine and Dave Wren have been put in the Hall of Fame.
All of this could not have been without the close personal support through the years from his wife, Cecelia. She has been like a member of the band. Now she is the bass player of Rob’s Banner Mountain Boys.
A strength often overlooked is what it takes to be a great band leader. Rob has all the bases covered. He has always been fair and loyal while remaining focused and demanding of his players. This is not easy. I have always admired that.
Ronnie Elkan

Rob ShotwellPh. 530 273 5879
19470 Bear Springs Rd.Email: rob5string@comcast.net
Grass Valley, CA 95945