Bob Koester RIP

[JSngry]

Good friction, like good trouble, is what keeps things moving.

[Dan Gould]

Personally I prefer 'save the drama fo yo mama.'

 

[JSngry]

Oh, mama can get things moving, trust me!

[Eric]

I traveled to Chicago frequently in the 90s and 00s and always allowed half a day extra to visit JRM.  Loved that place!

I never knew Bob, but had a funny (in hindsight) encounter.  There was a guy in the store selling some Japanese Blue Notes and could not come to terms on what I believe was the Hank Mobley with both Lee Morgan and Donald Byrd.  So as he was walking out, I asked him whether I could buy it from him.  Bob saw what was going on and came over and gave me the business.  Hey, his store, his rules, but at that point we were no longer in the store.  I started to protest but saw that was going nowhere.  I figured lifetime ban from the store was coming next, so I backed down.

I think the other customer was just as bemused and we completed the transaction a block away, well out of sight 

Edited May 20, 2021 by Eric

[Chuck Nessa]

A friend sent this link to an interview with Bob from Fresh Air in 2003.

Fresh Air

[kh1958]

Collection of tributes to Bob Koester.

https://delmark.com/2021/10/remembring-bob-koester-wonderful-18-page-tribute-in-living-blues-magazine-to-delmark-and-jazz-record-marts-founder-the-one-and-only-bob-koester/