Bob Nastanovich

Bob Nastanovich
Birth name Robert Nastanovich
Born 27 August 1967
Rochester, New York, United States
Genres Rock, indie rock
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Vocals, percussion
Years active 1989(?)-present
Labels Drag City, Domino
Associated acts Silver Jews, Pavement, Ectoslavia, Pale Horse Riders

Robert "Bob" Nastanovich (born August 27, 1967 in Rochester, New York, United States) is an American musician and member of the indie rock band Pavement, as well as former member of the Silver Jews, Ectoslavia, and Pale Horse Riders.

Biography

Bob Nastanovich was born in Rochester, New York. He attended the University of Virginia, where he met Pavement's Stephen Malkmus and future Silver Jews leader David Berman. The three moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, living and working together at various jobs in art galleries (as security guards) and Nastanovich as a bus driver/bus terminal manager in New York City and Hoboken. It was during this period that Malkmus reunited with longtime friend Scott Kannberg to create the first (then unofficial) Pavement album Slanted and Enchanted in drummer Gary Young's makeshift home studio. It is also during this time also that the seeds for the future Silver Jews (Nastanovich, Malkmus and Berman) were planted.

Nastanovich, upon his introduction to the band in 1990, performed many functions - namely backing vocals, percussion, harmonica, and effects-based keyboard. Initially, his key role was that of assistant time keeper, effectively focusing the efforts of the distracted and eccentric Young.[1] Nastanovich remained a member of the band after Young left, although Steve West became the new drummer.

Nastanovich sang lead vocals on live performances of the songs "Debris Slide," "Conduit for Sale," and "Unfair." He's known for his stage presence and his trademark scream.[1]

Nastanovich also played on several Silver Jews records. He has tour managed Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, the Frogs, Huggy Bear, Fila Brazillia (road crew) and Silver Jews. In addition, he has played on recordings by Palace Brothers, Tall Dwarfs and Pale Horse Riders.

He rejoined Pavement for their worldwide "Reunion" tour in 2010.[2]

Horse racing

Nastanovich is a fan of thoroughbred horse racing, both owning, breeding and managing many horses in his current home of Des Moines, Iowa. After Pavement's split, he served as jockey agent for Greta Kuntzweiler and Joe Johnson.[3]

Personal life

Nastanovich married artist Whitney Grey Courtney on February 21, 2009.[4]

He is currently employed as a chart caller for Equibase,[5] and works at Prairie Meadows[6] in Altoona, Iowa. He also reports on various racetracks for Daily Racing Form as a writer and correspondent.[7]

By visiting Epsom Race Course on August 27 of 2012, Nastanovich, celebrating his 45th birthday, became the first known American citizen to attend horse racing fixtures at all 60 British race courses.

Musical works

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "‘It Hasn’t Been a Disaster’ «". Grantland.com. 2014-01-10. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  2. ↑ "Pavement Reunion Tour Confirmed For 2010". MTV. 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  3. ↑ "Greta Kuntzweiler's second chance | Daily Racing Form". Drf.com. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  4. ↑ "Strange Beauty ShowThanks everyone for coming out to Strange Beauty Show’s gallery/holiday event last night!...". Strange Beauty Show. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  5. ↑ "Horse Racing | Horse Racing Entries | Horse Racing Results | Past Performances &#124". Equibase.com. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  6. ↑ "Ez Dreamer, Prairie Meadows, Iowa Sprint Handicap, Euphony, Iowa Distaff Breeders' Cup, horse racing, horse - ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. 2009-06-28. Retrieved 2014-08-18.
  7. ↑ "Bob Nastanovich | Daily Racing Form". Drf.com. Retrieved 2014-08-18.