Bob Mair: Chatsworth’s Creative Music Man

A tunesmith with two decades plus under his belt as a musician and songwriter, Bob Mair heads a local, thriving independent music outfit. Mair has cultivated some fascinating talent and crafted a noteworthy career, as founder of Black Toast Music.

Whether rock, jazz or classical, Mair, over five decades, is at home in contrasting genres and styles. Bo Diddley, Hank Williams, Jr., Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry and Del Shannon were just a handful of artists Mair worked with during his days on the road.

But now, because he's a family guy, the music is grounded in his home studio in a spot not typically associated with the music industry, Chatsworth. Mair explained: "We love the open space and rural feeling of Chatsworth, and the horse community. It feels like New Mexico or Arizona, while still having all of the amenities of L.A. We also like the people here. They're very friendly."

The former touring musician and songwriter also performed in recording sessions. The bass, electric and acoustic upright.  He launched his own business in 1990, Black Toast, named for the early morning breakfast mishaps he experienced, after late nights working. Mair crafts music for a rotating roster of television shows, including "Dexter," the vampire hit "True Blood," and "The Good Wife."

Music entered Mair's life at an early age. Gifted with a "natural talent" he "decided to make it a career," launched playing in bands. But the traveling ceased pretty much "when my daughter was born, I began writing and producing music."

With business partner Amy Kenzer, Mair enjoys creating the independent music publishing catalog and music library that licenses music to all forms of media, film, TV and advertising. Also, Mair has penned custom music for shows, apart from placing material from his catalog. "We love being involved with shows that are edgy. 'Sons of Anarchy' on FX, and the New Orleans-based 'Treme' on HBO, for example." Although mostly jazz artists are featured, the latter show has tapped hip hop tracks from Mair's outfit.

Digging into the creativity well isn't only about compositions. As with all businesses, Mair explains, "People are being very careful with the dollars they're spending.  We have had to work with clients to stay within their budget. However, an advantage we have is that in the entertainment business, there are more and more business opportunities everyday."

New shows are being developed, and pilots for shows are being produced constantly in Los Angeles.

When not in the studio, Mair passions are collecting art, from 16^th century etchings to contemporary photography. Then there are his other loves: "I have a love of studying history, philosophy, and politics. And to go hiking on the local trails, and watch my wife and daughter horseback ride."