Rev. Bob & the Darkness

Started in 1998 as a side project for Rev. Bob and Dark Mark, the duo named itself Rev. Bob & the Darkness, not only named after themselves but also in reference to where they rehearsed, Dark World. (infamous studio/home for wayward musicians in Watertown). The side project allowed Mark and Bob to work on material that didn't fit their current hard rock bands, allowing them to experiment with different styles and instrumentation while Bob kept writing more and more music.
Over the years many talented musicians have played and recorded with the duo, including: Gara Papazian (Doumbek, session player), Kara Trott (singer, Fluttr Effect), Aleta Cole (Violin, Glutton, Harada Condanction Ensemble), John Sacca (Percussion, Psychotic Larry), Bridget Matros (Singer, session player), Angela Letizia (cello, Bruce Grover, New England Philharmonic), Jason Marchionnna (Percussion and Banjo, Fluttr Effect), Barrett Lauck (Violin and Vocals), Chris Coughlin (Keys, Kieran Ridge Band) and Steve Marchena (Harmonica, Back Bay Guitar Trio, Hypaspace).In 2002 Bob and Mark solidified their rhythm section with Matt "Cutty" Foster on drums, changing the duo into a band rather than a side project. With Cutty's help and the addition of Max Lewis, on trumpet and percussion, the next year the band would start gaining momentum and developing its own sound. Referring to the music as "roots, rhythm and gothic blues", the band took their favorite roots influences and developed a set of over 40 originals, mixing styles and keeping a dark edge in their songs about love, murder, and revenge.
In the end of 2005 the band released its first record, "Endsville", 17 tracks recorded and produced in Bob's own Hooker Street Studios with Mike MacGillivray, (Engineer, Henson/A&M Studios). After the release the band decided to expand its sound and retrieve some of the textures that inspired the band in the first place by finding a few new members.
In the beginning of 2006, Betty Widerski (Violin), Brenda Rudzinski (Vocals) and John Buczkowski (Accordian), joined the Rev. to form a great 7 piece ensemble.

From the album Gallows Hill here’s Rev. Bob and the Darkness with "You're Sorry"

Rev. Bob & the Darkness has performed around the Boston area at: the Charles Playhouse, All Asia Cafe, Middle East (corner, upstairs and down), P.A's Lounge, O'Briens, Midway Cafe, the Milky Way, the Reel Bar, Legends Hall, Great Scott, Herrel's, Zeitgeist Gallery, Copperfield's, the Causeway, Linnwood Grille, SkyBar

As well as the following events and venues: Galapagos (Brooklyn,NY), Don Hill's (NYC), Pete's Candy Store (Brooklyn,NY), The Bowery (NYC), AS220 (Providence,RI), The Cirque Du Singe Brise (traveling show), and the Emergenza International Music Festival.

The band has held its own on stage with heavy rock bands doing 45 min, done acoustic sets at cafes and small venues, and 3 hour shows in lounges drinking late into the night.They have 40 originals and a dozen covers to dip into, and enjoy a good drinking crowd.The music consists of jazz, blues, bluegrass, rock and soul while maintaining the instrumentations unique sound. While they do it for the music, they also believe that perfomance is about showmanship and having a good time.