Alfred Schnittke, Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Debussy, Roland Kirk, John Coltrane, John Zorn, Remarc, 16ArmedJack, Toronto's many scenes (Improvisers, join the Association of Improvising Musicians of Toronto: info at aimtoronto.org)
Improv I've had the opporunity to work with many of Toronto's leading creative and improvising musicians, Including Nick Fraser, Joe Sorbara, Colin Fisher, Colin Anthony, Pail Newman, Ken Aldcroft, Scott Thomson, Tiina Kiik, Glen Hall, and many more. On the international level, I've been priviledged to perform with Joe McPhee, William Parker, Lori Freedman, Stephen Grew, Rainer Wiens, Wilbert de Joode, Jean Derome, Paul Dutton, Rueben Radding, and Anthony Braxton.
Electronic Music
I've recorded and performed with Spine, Yara, Mocky, and Peaches. In terms of jungle music, I've played live flute alongside Freaky Flow, Ryan Ruckus, Demolition Man, Million Dan, MC Caddy Cad, and often with DJ Syklik (aka DJ 2-odd). Recently I've been playing with locals The Caspar Project andMiMo.
Rock and Pop: Post-Troubador Dan Goldman (and Kitchenmusik), Toronto legend Kurt Swinghammer, Songstress Sarah Slean, Rock Goddess Mia Sheard, Songstress Harmony Trowbridge I also play rather regularly with Basment Arms and funk machine The ELastocitizens
I've also performed hip hop with Phat Al and The DOM.
DJ work: Ragga-Jungle, D'n'B, various Electronica, Reggae/Dub/Dancehall, Funk
Production:
I've been working on an album of mash up jungle tunes with many layers of heavily processed flute, as well as a number of digital remixes of some of my favourite improvising musicians.
Current Projects:
Will soon release the Whisper album featuring me on flute and Colin Fisher on Tenor Sax. 11 Tracks of improv with extremely minimal volume, but a surprising amount of sound.
Rob's Collision: This is a chamber-improv ensemble with a group of musicians that do not all need to be present for the group to perform. Pieces are written so that they work with everyone, but as long as the core of Mitch and myself are there we can still play. Main members include Colin Anthony on piano, Parmela Attariwala on violin, Dan Goldman on guitar, Michael Herring on acoustic bass, Cheryl O on cello, Rob Piilonen on flute and compositions, Joe Sorbara on drums, Josh van Tassel on sampler, and Mitch Yolevsky on clarinet. The Collision will also often have an opening act who will play with us in our set. Opening acts and guest performers have included The Coyote Trio, Odradek, MiMo, and Scott Thomson. I recently received an Ontario Arts Council composition grant for this project.
The Centaurs: Josh van Tassel's creation. Improvised funk and groove featuring Joanna Borromeo on keys, Devon Henderson on bass, myself on flute and effects, and Josh on drums and sampler. We play regularly at the Tranzac. Sound samples at Josh's myspace.
glad you enjoyed my music. :) I like what you are doing and it would be great if we could colaborate or something this summer. I have not really lined up a lot shows as I am still in Boston and need to assemble a few groups first. I will be in Oshawa from May 10 to Sept 1. In answer to your question, the songs on my myspace are mostly loop beats because I am still learning the ins and outs of making my own beats on Abelton Live and I mainly used Garage Band and Reason before that for my original compositions. peace colin
Just wanted to stop by your page, it's been awhile. What's new with you?
I just finished recording my 3rd release, Perfekt World, with a street date in late March! Stop by my page then and check out the new music. I would love to know what you think.
Thanks for accepting my friends request. I'm so loving your music, you push your flute playing to the limits (no cliches schmaltzy stuff) and any musical influence is fair game, very cool!
Hello Rob Thank you for your commentary and friendship Unfortunately I have never been to Toronto, but I would like very much to know Canada, parents who I admire greatly, and about play together, it would be a great pleasure, anywhere, I hope that one day this happens, keep contact and a great 2008, Antonio Panda Gianfratti
Thanks for the nice comment. You are very good flute player and you have a great taste in music, Donato wish the best. Keep in touch. Apology for my english.
it is good to see an artist who is not afraid of simultanuosly be connected with Beat an' free stuff. I like your style. And please keep up the good work with AIMToronto. Just performed Toronto at Lula Lounge with an Cuban Band in September. A pity I did not knew about the creative stuff going on there .... Best Mark Alban Lotz
thanks so much Rob, i like your tracks...especially rob's collision, and june 20th! if we ever find ourselves in toronto will will look you up for sure! -matt
