Chris Rob takes care of business and does it infectiously well through his music. I’m taken by his pianoistic jazz-infused concoctions… which invites me to a space that’s all too familiar.

Take Time

True music lovers always search for the connections between the new and the old, the fresh and the classic. Sometimes they’re fortunate enough to find both in one artist. For Chris Rob, the classically trained pianist featured on Kanye West’s ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothin’, crossing genres is natural. This might explain why the singer/songwriter, multi instrumentalist and producer can’t be boxed in and audiences from New York to Tokyo have reveled in his genre fusion. His twist of jazz and cool funk can be witnessed firsthand on the new Leon Ware release “Moon Ride” with the lead single, ‘Smoovin’, which Chris produced for the industry heavyweight. Working with Leon Ware, the legendary artist who penned Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘I Want You’, was “a tremendous blessing for me,” says Chris. You can also hear him playing on John Legend’s ‘Stereo’, Deborah Cox’s ‘Promise’, and forthcoming projects from Lauryn Hill and Macy Gray as well.

Originally from Chicago, the journey he took to his new home of New York in the summer of 2002 inspired him to produce his soulful debut project “The Official Bootleg of Chris Rob, Volume I”. He soon began headlining at hot spots like SOB’s, BAM Cafe, and the renowned Blue Note Jazz Club. This funky, soulful, and jazzy nine song EP featuring his singing and musical talents, opened the eyes and ears of many, including Grammy award winning artist Meshell N’degeocello “She called me up and said it was all she listened to for a month. That was so cool because I had listened to her albums with that intensity before I ever met her.”

Dirty Movie

Still, Chris’ first love is playing live and connecting with the audience. You’ve probably seen him hyping up the audience in the video for ‘So High’ from Legend’s “Live at The House of Blues” DVD . While on tour as the keyboardist and backup vocalist, he also took on the position of musical director. “The ‘Get Lifted’ Tour was a whole ‘nother level for me… just to help create something that was moving people so much all across the world, it tuned my own music into the universe that much more.”

Chris and his seven-piece backing band The Powerful Impact, were recently tapped to perform with Stevie Wonder for President Barack Obama’s inauguration festivities. He is currently touring with
his older brother, actor/comedian Craig Robinson (NBC’s “The Office”). In addition to his own solo shows, he directs the stage for classic hip hop artists including Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Black Moon. He also collaborates heavily with producers like DJ Spinna (Stevie Wonder) and Devo Springsteen (Kanye West), and makes club hits including his most recent dance single ‘Ghetto People’ with co-writer and producer DJ Ian Friday.

His additional stage credits as opening act and supporting musician include Prince, Elton John, Snoop Dogg, John Mayer, Ashford & Simpson, and Jill Scott. His television appearances include The Grammy Awards, “Oprah”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “The Office”, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, “The Ellen Degeneres Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel”.

NEW ALBUM ‘Mental Notes’ Releases Spring 2010

Links

www.chrisrobmusic.com

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