Lakeport >> When Bill Noteman arrived in Lake County some 30-odd years ago, everyone was playing country and rock and roll. Noteman and his harmonica were sorely out of place.
Fast forward to present day, and you can’t go a weekend without hearing the blues drifting from the doors of one venue or another. And Noteman feels he had a part in introducing the genre to the local scene over three decades ago. He’s proud of the impact he and his humble harmonica have made.
Just a few years after moving to Lake County, he began Bill Noteman and the Rockets. While much has changed since they first came together, their lineup has remained the same over the years save for their drummer, Steve Dubois, who is the group’s third percussionist. The other musicians have been together since the beginning, with Noteman on vocals and harmonica, Larry “Mojo” Platz on guitar, David Neft on piano and David Falco on bass.
Bill Noteman and the Rockets, with their mix of West Coast jump and rocking blues, have been something of a Lake County staple over the years, but in recent months Noteman has needed to slow down. Now, the band plays 10 shows a year, tops. And while the group isn’t by any means over, Noteman doesn’t see them picking up the pace again. “Now when we play it kind of becomes an event because people aren’t seeing us out there every weekend,” Noteman said.
One such rare show is coming up tonight at Library Park, where Bill Noteman and the Rockets will perform for the Summer Concert Series. But just because they’re not playing all the time anymore doesn’t mean their shows have lost any caliber. Each time they step on stage, they bring their best. “We’re still out there doing what we’ve always done, going out there and having a great time,” said Noteman. “I pay for it several days afterward but that’s what I have to do.”
The Rockets are staying plenty busy with side projects though. Platz plays nearly every weekend with his other bands. Neft has a thriving solo schedule. And Dubois, too, keeps his books full.
While his gigs with the Rockets may be slowing down, Noteman is never going to hang up his harmonica. He loves it too much for that. “I’ll play until they lay me in the box,” he said.
The only thing that might push him to join another band is Europe. A few times now he’s traveled to Italy to play with a group of musicians he met there four years ago. The story goes like this: Noteman was in Italy for two months when one night he heard the sound of an amplified blues harmonica in the distance. He traveled toward the music, where he found a woman singing — in English. When she finished her set, he introduced himself as a blues player from San Francisco. “Next thing I know I’m sitting in with them,” Noteman recalled.
They became quick friends, inviting Noteman back for a huge show in Amalfi, Italy featuring smoke machines, impressive sound equipment and a huge professional stage. It was 85 degrees at 10 p.m. with 100% humidity. The musicians were drenched in sweat by the end, but the thrill was unlike any other. “It was unbelievable,” Noteman said. “I’m ready to move there.”
But for now Noteman is ready to give it his all at the few shows he’s still playing with the Rockets. He particularly enjoys tonight’s venue — Library Park — for the friendly, hometown vibe. People who have been fans of Bill Noteman and the Rockets since they began in ‘83 still come out to the grassy lawns to see them perform. “I love playing for the hometown group,” Noteman said. “I’ve got friends there that have been my friends since the ‘80s.”
Plus, the view of the lake doesn’t hurt.
Bill Noteman and the Rockets perform at Library Park in Lakeport tonight from 6:30-8 p.m.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
