Singer songwriter, teacher, and public education activist, Bob Fournier has over the last 20 years performed as a double bassist in small combos and as a solo classical guitarist. His extremely broad swath of musical influences includes Brazilian guitar virtuoso Laurindo Almedia, 60’s folk icon Fred Neil, country music great Johnny Cash, jazz legend Bill Evans, and rock singer Jim Morrison. Bob’s eclectic musical interests are reflected in local performances that include a variety of musical genres. His acoustically based style of songwriting can best be described as passionate, sentimental human portraits of intimate relationships.
Bob began his musical career as a bassist performing with jazz and contemporary ensembles. He has since expanded his horizons to include latin classical and finger-style solo guitar music and songs with guitar accompaniment. His extremely broad range of musical influences includes Brazilian guitar virtuoso Laurindo Almedia, 60’s folk icon Fred Neil, country music great Johnny Cash, and jazz legend Bill Evans.
Bob’s songs with acoustic guitar accompaniment can best be described as passionate, sentimental human portraits of intimate relationships. For example, his song Western Skies was written for his wife and was inspired by the beauty of the landscapes seen during their many miles of traversing the roadways and hiking trails of the American West.
As a teacher in an economically disadvantaged area, Bob believes that the best way to counter the negative effects of poverty is vigorous reinvestment in public education. He is an active member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the Caucus of Working Educators. The photo above was taken at the state capital during a protest by teachers concerning school funding where he sang his Philadelphia School District Blues.
The Presbytery of Philadelphia for their initial $9,000 grant in 2015 to help build the coffeehouse ministry. And their follow-on $5000 grant in 2016 and their follow-on $4000 grant for 2017.