Radiohead, Prince, Meshell N'Degeocello, James Brown, Rakim, Nas, Earth Wind & Fire, Run-DMC, Nirvana, Led Zepplin, Curtis Mayfield, Common, Flora Robinson, De la Soul, Shuggie Otis, Erykah Badu, Betty Davis, Craig Robinson, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Pevin Everett, Miles Davis, Bobby McFerrin...and last but not least, The Most High.
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 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. 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 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 The Powerful Impact, were recently tapped to perform with Stevie Wonder for President Barack Obama's inauguration festivities. He is currently touring with Atlantic Record's debuting artist Laura Izibor as well as his own 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 (Britney Spears), 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 & 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", "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
Sometimes when i look around, all i see is misery, despair, frustration and pain...
Then, i close my eyes, take a couple deep breaths, RELAX...And ask myself, "WHAT IF all I saw was what I WANTED TO SEE?" Then, I open my eyes. I see the sun, I see the blue sky, I see my girls smiling back at me, I see life...
And then, lo and behold, I see nothing but OPPORTUNITY...
Thanks for reading. And if you enjoy these little sayings I send out, take a look at my site, http://TankJones.com and take a look at my blogs. You can also see a lot of pics of events I've done, music I've made and learn about my foundation.
Wassup Chris Rob? Mixtape Mondays is celebrating a birthday! We're officialy turning 1 this Monday! So on Monday Oct. 19th the first 25 performers are in FREE! Free Darkroom CD's and Oregano Studio Time Giveaways Exodus II 3477 N Clark St. Chicago's Paid Open Mic Over $1000 given away every month - The crowd decides who get the doe, so bring your people. Also bring your original music on CD 9 pm sign up - List closes quick 21 plus
A look back to when it all started on 47th St...
*Silent Auditions all month long for October's Mixtape E-event at The Darkroom and the MtM Midwest's 'In and Out' Tour this Fall
Hottest Song Tournament follows the Birthday Bash on Oct. 26th
Hey... I know I may have hit you up about this already lol but a reminder that my RNB mixtape "Mirror Mirror Vol.1" is now available!! If I didn't... well now ya know! Would love to know what you think of it! Come by and let me know... the link is right here!!
Wassup Chris Rob? This Monday Sept 28.. Mixtape Monday's Signature Hottest Song Contest Bracket Style Competition - The More Rounds You Win, The More You Perform! $350, tour slots, beats, studio time all up for grabs! Exodus II, 3477 N Clark St. (2 blocks S. of Wrigley Field) Sign up: 9 pm sharp - Bring your original music on CD $15 to compete/ $5 to watch 21 plus Powered by: MtM Grp, oreganostudio.com, L'Evated Marketing, illiesoulife.com and SP1 Further questions email mixtapemondayz@gmail.com
Thank you Chicago! They said it couldn't be done this long..
Had a thought while driving home and I wanted to share it. Hope you don’t mind…
When we truly let go of past hurts, hang-ups and disappointments and choose to live in the moment, in the now, in the PRESENT, life truly can be a GIFT.
Hope you liked this one. :)
Also, if you like these, shoot me comments letting me know, join me on my Facebook page and when I send you a link to my website once it gets finished next week, be sure to go it and sign up and I’ll send these to you there as well. Take care
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Introduction My name is Ramesh Klinkert and I would like to thank you for being a part of my friendlist! As a thank you, I want to give you something for your Twitter account here.
Thanks Thanks again and I look forward to speak with you and perhaps even network with you later.
ROFL...and there goes the lightbulb! If I would have paid attention to your friendslist I would have noticed he was your number one. See you said I didn't look blonde, but you gotta dig past the roots. :P
Wow...on one of my random google searches today I made an amazing and funny discovery. Craig Robinson in your brother! LOL I am a huge fan of his show and he is my favorite character because he reminds me of a really good friend of mine. I would never have made the connection on my own but I see it now that I know it. Now I am going to have to search for the episode you were on.
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