Apollo Music Café, May 16, 2011. 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 “Cant 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 whey 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 heavy weight.  Working the 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.

Now a resident in 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 Café, 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’re 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. 

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”).

http://www.chrisrobmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/chris.rob2#!/pages/Chris-Robs-Vicious-Keys/101043429955203