The Hard Work Blues: East Texas musician recognized for having the best self-produced blues CD

He may just be "Simply Bobbie," as his album title implies, but the work local blues artist Bobbie Oliver puts into producing quality music is anything but simple.

News Messenger file photo (enlarge photo) Eva Oliver interacts with her husband, blues musician Bobby Oliver, and sings along as he plays outside the Weisman Center in downtown Marshall during Second Saturday in this March 2006 file photo. Oliver was recently recognized among more than 40 other artists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., for having the best self-produced blues CD.

"It's a job," said Oliver, who was recently recognized among more than 40 other artists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., for having the best self-produced blues CD.

The Shagbark Blues Society nominated him for his album "Simply Bobbie," released in May 2006. Oliver considers the nomination "fantastic."

"I feel just great," he said, flashing a contagious smile as he sat in his home studio during a recent interview.

His wife and manager, Eva Oliver, is also proud of the recognition.

"I feel like it's an honor that he is long deserved and worked hard for," she said.

Oliver spent 10 hours a day for six months working on his album out of his home studio. He stayed busy singing the vocals and arranging the music. He also assumed the role of his own band mates playing the harmonica, bass guitar, second lead guitar and organ on all songs except for the organ part on "Soul Food."

"I can do a pretty good show by myself," insists Oliver, who usually plays his guitar and harmonica simultaneously.

And while he did the bulk of the album project himself, he gives his wife credit for the inspiration.

"I gave him several ideas," his wife said, noting she named all of the songs.

And when the tunes sounded a bit awkward to her, she gave him suggestions, which Oliver always appreciates.

"Most of the time she has the right idea and it turns out good," he said.

Ms. Oliver said the album title, "Simply Bobbie," speaks for itself.

"It says just what it is," she said. "He's a simple man with simple ideas.

"It's simple music," she continued, adding "it's good though."

This is the third album Oliver has self produced. And although it is hard work producing a good album, Oliver said he loves it.

"I enjoy it so it's no problem," he said. "I love that music."

Ms. Oliver said the "bluesy" tunes always tell a story.

For instance his song, "Left Hand Woman," is about a woman with imperfections, "but does everything right."

Ms. Oliver said her husband strives to reach a broad audience through his music.

"He tries to sing the type of music not a particular one set of people will enjoy," Ms. Oliver said. "He's just simply the greatest."