Bob Nastanovich

Bob Nastanovich (born August 27, 1967 in Rochester, NY) is a former member of the 1990s indie bands Pavement, Ectoslavia, and Pale Horse Riders. He currently plays percussion and keyboards for Silver Jews.

Biography

Meeting Pavement's leading man Stephen Malkmus and future Silver Jews leader David Berman at the University of Virginia, the three subsequently moved to Jersey City, NJ, living and working together at various jobs in art galleries (as security guards) and Nastanovich was a bus driver/bus terminal manager in New York City. It was during this period that Malkmus re-united with long time friend Scott Kannberg to create the first (then unofficial) Pavement album Slanted and Enchanted in drummer Gary Young's makeshift home studio. It is 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 in the band, namely adding 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. After acting as Pavement's representative in the dismissal of his then great friend Young (he had been the best man at his wedding, and the only one doing the talking during this final confrontation), Nastanovich's role, at least informally, also took on some diplomatic or managerial qualities. The hiring of Steve West as key drummer may evidence this.

Bob Nastanovich's part in the band may seem trivial but his stage presence added great depth to Pavement's live performances. His importance could be further gauged by the forfeiture by Stephen Malkmus of key vocals in songs such 'Debris Slide' and 'Conduit for Sale', both Nastanovich staples on tour. His trademark scream is something of a Pavement idiosyncrasy, savoured by many Pavement fans. His role on stage, along with the scream, is said to have influenced the Blur hit Song 2.

Nastanovich is an avid fan of thoroughbred horse racing, both owning, breeding and managing many horses in his current home, Louisville, Kentucky. He has also served as jockey agent for Greta Kuntzweiler and Joe Johnson. His most recent venture is an online analysis of American horse races, and sees him attempting to give better coverage to an otherwise limited area. It also should be added that the band member is recently engaged to a talented artist by the name of Whitney Grey Courtney; their wedding is planned for February 2009.

Bob also played drums on several Silver Jews albums (recently contributing to the Tanglewood Numbers record and tour), has tour managed Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks and he managed the first Silver Jews U.S tour of 2006. He is currently employed as a chart caller for Equibase, America's official Horse Racing database.

Musical works

* 1992 - Slanted and Enchanted (Pavement)
* 1994 - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (Pavement)
* 1994 - Starlite Walker (Silver Jews)
* 1995 - Wowee Zowee (Pavement)
* 1997 - Brighten the Corners (Pavement)
* 1999 - Terror Twilight (Pavement)
* 2005 - Tanglewood Numbers (Silver Jews)