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Robert Tye

Detroit-based modern jazz guitarist/composer leads heavyweight band

About Me

Robert Tye studied with legendary classical and studio guitarist Joe Fava in Detroit, where he was encouraged to follow his natural affinity toward improvisational music.

Tye's first release, “Virtues of the Well” (Corridor Records), was highly anticipated and well received. “Tye, an obviously skilled musician with many loves and influences, shines brightly on this overdue project,” wrote the All Music Guide. The Jazz Review said, “Without a doubt one of the more promising jazz guitarists to come about on the scene.” ”This is music on a highly intellectual level but with a deep groove,” said Jazz Guitar Online. The National Public Radio Music Source has named ”Virtues Of The Well” a “Must Have.”

In live performances Robert Tye has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in jazz: Steps Ahead, Earl Klugh, Maynard Ferguson, Stanley Clarke, Randy Brecker, Bela Fleck, Sir Roland Hanna, John Blake, Eddie Daniels, David Leibman, Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker, and Mike Stern, to name just a few. He has also performed with such smooth jazz artists as Bob James, Warren Hill, Peter White, Alexander Zonjic, Angela Bofill, Kirk Whalum, Marion Meadows, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Jeff Golub, and Chieli Minucci, Motown superstars Martha Reeves and The Funk Brothers, and R&B/roots artists Bonnie Raitt, Katie Webster, Earl King, and Terrance Simien, gospel producer Fred Hammond, and actor Jeff Daniels. Tye was also a longstanding member of organist Lyman Woodard's trio, appearing on the legendary soul/jazz organist's recording ”Live At The 1996 Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival.”

The principal guitarist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Tye has worked with Erich Kunzel, Neeme Jarvi, Jan-Pascal Tortelier, Angel Romero, Leonard Slatkin, Bill Conti, and composer John Adams. He has also worked with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Jazz Quintet, the Michigan Opera Theater, the Monte Carlo Ballet, and the American Ballet Theatre. He is a founding member of avant classicists New Music Detroit, featuring members of the DSO.

Tye has received over thirty nominations at the Detroit Music Awards (in Jazz, Classical, and Rock categories). He has taken top honors for Outstanding Jazz Composer, Outstanding Jazz Recording, and Outstanding Classical Instrumentalist, adding to his six previous awards. He has been a contributing writer for Guitar World magazine, and he was a semi-finalist in the Independent Music World Series in 2004, competing against mostly pop artists.





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