At the age of 5, Rob became a 'musical prodigy' of sorts, studying under Dr. Lambert the head of the Music Department at San Diego State University as his 'gifted' piano player. He played many recitals over a number of years at the University performing all styles of classical music with musicians of all ages. This worked great until 1968 when the Beatles released the song "Daytripper" and Rob knew that he had to play the guitar instead of the piano. Self-taught in guitar, Rob joined "The New Vaudeville Band" in 1973, whose number one hit "Winchester Cathedral" was still drawing recognition. He toured extensively with the band until 1977. Rob retired from the "road life" to Chicago working as a studio musician for Warner Brothers before settling in Boulder, Colorado, performing and also working as a radio DJ. In 1986, Burt Reynolds offered Rob a position at the "Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater", entertaining and working as a liaison between Burt and his celebrity guests. When the theater closed in 1987, Rob made the move back to his native California to join an international “show band" performing, writing sketches, and assisting as vocal director. During this time, Rob had the opportunity to play with such artists as the late John Denver, Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, Tommy Smothers, Huey Lewis, Kenny G. and the Gatlin Brothers. Growing weary of the non musical aspects of “show band” life, Rob joined up with the "Road Hogs" in 1997, a premiere "rock & funk" band in Santa Cruz meeting Toby Gray and Gary Thomas. When Toby got the tap on the shoulder from his old friend David Laflamme to reassemble the band, Rob was the obvious choice to make it a success. As Rob puts it ....."I have found my musical home and family!"
Recordings:
2011
Recordings with Louie Ortega of the Texas Tornados:
I Put A Spell On You That's the Way Love Goes
Photos by http://thedude.com/
