About me: Versatility is the key component of this talented musician, who hails from the Motor City. A self-taught musician, bassist and singer/songwriter, Rob McDonald, began his musical career at an early age.
Growing up in a musical household, McDonald learned to play drums at the age of six. Because his three older brothers each played drums, it seemed the logical choice; however, as McDonald’s talent grew, he found it harder and harder to find a full set of drums readily available. Because his brothers were always using the drums for local club gigs McDonald decided it was time to try a new instrument, a guitar.
Emulating the style of legendary guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, McDonald learned to play the guitar left-handed and upside down. (not knowing Jimi’s right-handed guitar was actually strung left-handed) This proved to be a difficult method for playing open cords, and that was when, at the age of 13, he picked up a bass.
Proving to be a talented musician, McDonald performed with his high school’s concert and jazz bands, and upon graduation from Cooley High, moved to Los Angeles with a Detroit based band called Paradise. Local gigs and an international tour in Japan soon followed.
Honing his skills while working local clubs and in national touring productions of “Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God” starring Jennifer Holiday, and “The Wiz” starring Grace Jones, Peabo Bryson, Tony Terry, Cece Peniston, and Howard Hewitt, McDonald began to attract the attention of other national artists including, Brenda Russell, Pattii Austin, Jeffery Osbourne, Chaka Khan, Marion Meadows, and Jeff Lorber.
A two-year touring engagement with Johnny “Guitar” Watson, performance opportunities with Billy Preston, legendary music icon, Tom Jones, a Tonight Show appearance with Toni Braxton, and European engagements with The Funk Bros, George Clinton and the Al McKay All-stars are among career highlights.
Currently, McDonald is in his third year of touring with Grammy award-winning guitarist, Norman Brown, whose 2008 Summer Storm tour is set to include guests artists, Chante Moore, Paul Taylor, and Alex Bugnon.
McDonald, counts among his early influences such greats as Larry Graham, Sly Stone, Johnny “Guitar’ Watson, Bootsy Collins, Stanley Clark, Louis Johnson, EW&F, Louis Satterfield, is a compilation of versatility, resulting from over 30 years in the music industry.
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Hey Rob!! Had to stop by to say what a great show last night! You guys were great as usual and it was fun getting to hang out with you all too...my gurl Cat had a blast too and say hello!
Hello my Friend! The pics I took from you in Maputo are now on my site (see album page 2). I hope that you will like some of them..Feel free to use them as far as (c) JL Neveu is mentioned.. I Really enjoyed meeting you. Take care! See you! JL
Hi Rob! Welcome aboard! Nice to be part of your friends. The pics of the concert will be on my site in a few days (I have to work on more than 1500 shots!!!!). I will let you know when they will be on site. Keep swingin' my friend. A big hug. Best. JL
Good back after all the desert drive ? I thought maybe You and me should meet between all our projects, this or next week short, when You are closer, let me know, we could go over few strategies short cut for the rest.. Love Flav
Hey Rob, Happy Belated Birthday man. I think I saw you at NAMM on that Saturday but I didn't get a chance to say hello to you. Hope you had a great Birthday weekend.
Hi Rob, I hear this is your "B" Day weekend and are about to celebrate. I hope your week is very special and in this next chapter of your life you continue to reach for "ALL" that you want out of life. Thank you for being apart of my Fam and Friends, may love, health and prosperity be with you and yours as you walk thru life.
Hey McRob!! Just stoppin' thru to invite cha to the first taping of my tv show/concert that Michael Mishaw and I are doing on FEB 12th (thurs) @ Kulaks Woodshed...5230- 1/2 Laurel Cyn. Bl North Hollywood CA 90607 It will be streamed "LIVE" too @ www. kulakswoodshed. com yah gotta dwnld flip4mac to view on a MAC...a bulletin will be comin' yer way soon!
c-u - there...
the show is FREE but they ask for donations...everyone always gives $10..do whatcha can..yah know??
Online Now!
