Bob Draga was a larger-than-life personality as well as a superb musician. You never knew what you were going to get when he was on the bandstand.
Joe and Paul Midiri were among the many fellow musicians who responded to the news of Bob’s passing on September 24th at the age of 78, saying, “Bob was a marvelous clarinet player and a master entertainer. He always played from the heart, something very few accomplished. For decades, he was a fixture at jazz festivals across the country and internationally, both with his bands and as a guest artist. He was a great friend who encouraged many; generous, always helping young players.”
Tom Rigney joined in the tributes: “Bob was one of the most brilliant natural musicians I have ever met or played with. His virtuosity on the clarinet was matchless, but it was linked to a deep musicality and a powerfully expressive sense of tone and phrasing. Bob was also a truly great human being, with an ability to connect with people that was a gift at least as rare and beautiful as his musicality.”
He was also one of the funniest humans in our planet's long history, and his humor was always surprising, inappropriate, usually in poor taste, and nevertheless, hilarious for its lack of decorum. Who can ever forget when he jumped onstage in a silver wig, long-flowered kimono, and red-painted sneakers after I had delivered a serious, heartfe
