Chris Rob

Location:
New York, US
Type:
Artist / Band / Musician
Genre:
Disco House / Hip Hop / Spanish pop
Site(s):
Label:
Soul Soldier Entertainment
Type:
Indie
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. "All music is connected and the audience can feel it, there really isn't that much discrimination," says Chris. 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 latest 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. This is not the only example of his tendency to make soulful sounds with the greats. 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.



Now a resident of New York, the native Chicagoan has come a long way since driving to the Big Apple with his instruments in the back of his SUV. The journey he took to New York in the summer of 2002 inspired him to produce his soulful debut project "The Official Bootleg of Chris Rob, Volume I", and he soon began headlining at hot spots like SOB's, BAM Cafe, and the renown 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."



Still, Chris' first love is playing live and connecting with the audience. You've probably seen him jamming on his keytar with his brother on this year's VH1 Hip Hop Honors, or 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."



With the word spreading about their intense live shows, Chris and his seven-piece backing band Vicious Keyz, were 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, Black Moon, and The Real Live Show. He also collaborates heavily with producers like DJ Spinna (Stevie Wonder) and Devo Springsteen (John Legend), and makes club hits including his most recent dance single 'Found Myself' with co-writer and producer DJ Ian Friday.



His additional stage credits as opening act and supporting musician include Prince & the New Power Generation, Elton John, Snoop Dogg, John Mayer, Ashford & Simpson, Jill Scott, The Roots, The Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Roberta Flack, Common, Michelle N'degeocello, Cee-lo, Anthony Hamilton, Patti Austin, and Pevin Everett. His television appearances include The Grammy Awards, "Oprah", "Last Comic Standing", VH1 Hip Hop Honors, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", "The Office", "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "The Ellen Degeneres Show", "Jimmy Kimmel", The Soul Train Awards, "Entertainment Tonight", "Raaymond is Laat" (Amsterdam), "Top of the Pops" (Amsterdam, London), and Jules Holland(London).



Like music itself, this artist likes to stay in the moment. "I don't really think about the different genres I'm crossing. I try to stay open, and not get in the way of how great the music can feel."



written by Aziza Thompson



DIRTY MOVIE



The James Brown Tribute, NYC, May 3rd 2007



CHRIS ROB TRIBUTE TO JAMES BROWN



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Chris Rob Scenes From The Blue Note



Chris Rob Scenes From The Blue Note">Add to My Profile | More Videos
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