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Camille Gavin: A string and a prayer for guitarist

The Bakersfield Californian | Wednesday, Sep 23 2009 05:03 PM

Last Updated Wednesday, Sep 23 2009 05:05 PM

Normally during off-hours when he's not performing, Billy Russell strums his guitar whenever the mood strikes him.

As of two weeks ago, however, he's developed a regular routine.

"I've been practicing four or five hours a day," he said, adding with a friendly chuckle, "I know I've been working hard because my fingers are sore."

This change-about is a result of his being named grand-prize winner -- against 34 competitors over a period of four weeks -- in Bakersfield's "King of the Blues," contest sponsored by the local Guitar Center.

So now the Bakersfield native is perfecting his technique as he prepares for the next level of competition: the district finals next Wednesday in Pasadena.

"Some of those guys down there are really hungry," Russell said.

For his win at the local level, he received a gift certificate and a prize package from string and bass manufacturer Ernie Ball.

However what he's aiming for is the big pot of gold that comes only if he makes it to the finals on Nov. 11. The ultimate prize is $25,000 in cash and a live performance at the House of Blues in Hollywood on the same stage with Pete Anderson, a Grammy-award winning producer, guitarist and songwriter.

First though, Russell must be successful in the upcoming district finals in Pasadena, and then the semifinals which will be held on Oct. 11.

Although he's played professionally with various bands for the past 15 years or so -- Big House and Hot Taco, among others -- Russell hasn't sought the spotlight.

"I've never looked to make a name for myself," he said. "It was hard for me to sign up for (the contest). It's not like you're better than anybody else; we're all good. It's just that everybody has their own style."

But now that he's approaching 40, Russell has decided to see if he can give his career a major boost. And that fits in well with the mission of Guitar Center's contest: "To provide emerging artists and musicians with career-altering opportunities and vehicles to achieve success."

Music has always been a central part of Russell's life. Everyone in his family, especially on his father's side, played some type of instrument during his growing up years.

"I started playing the guitar when I was 6 -- just learned a few chords and took off from there," he said. "I'll mess with any kind of stringed instrument."

Music as a family affair includes his 10-year marriage to vocalist Glenda Robles, 50. The East High graduate has been appearing in local clubs for more than 30 years. She's noted for a distinctive bluesy style and her rich, warm voice.

"Actually, her voice when she was talking is what I fell in love with," Russell said. "And then I heard her sing and it was great."

Until now Russell and Robles have each had separate bands. Lately, though, they've been performing together. You can catch them both Friday evening at the Pyrenees Cafe, where they're billed as Glenda Robles and the Bandoleros.