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Take Five With Robert Spigner
Robert was born in Harlem, moved to the Bronx as a teenager. A dreamer who aspired to be a self taught musician earned a degree in business at Bronx community college. His entertainment career began as the bassist for a local band performing at venues in and around New York City. Throughout the years he also honed his skills as a keyboardist and songwriter.
In 2008 he wrote all songs for the ultimate sound experience in a CD, titled Unlimited Potential. The album is a combination of smooth jazz instrumentals, up-tempo as well as slow beats that leave the listener feeling a full range of emotions. Soothing to your soul, a delight to your ears, tantalizing to your senses, sounds that can hype any crowd into feeling the essence of the music Robert is trying to project. Energetic and passionate; a musical genius in the likes of his influences, including Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire. Listening to his music—whether live or on CD—you will be guaranteed to experience all the elements of music.
Instrument(s):
Keyboard, bass.
Teachers and/or influences? Influences are: Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, The Ojay's, Commodores, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Kenny G and Dave Koz.
I knew I wanted to be a musician when... As early as five years old, however I couldn't afford private lessons and the public school budget was always cut before I could get to that level. My first formal lessons didn't come 'til the age of eighteen, when I enrolled in college.
Your sound and approach to music: I love instrumentals as well as vocals and harmony. I usually start with a good rhythmic bed of music, then develop a melody. I like to use a variety of lead instruments such as flute, sax, guitar and piano.
Your dream band:
My dream band? Just put me in the middle of Earth, Wind and Fire for one night. There are many artists with whom I would be privileged to work. I just love playing live music. I would love to be on stage with Kenny G, playing a melody that I wrote.
Your favorite recording in your discography and why? I would have to say "Back in the Day" for its energetic and driving rhythm, a little old school flavor, and it was recorded in one take.
The first Jazz album I bought was: George Benson, Breezin'.
Did you know...
Almost completed twenty years in the New York City police dept.
About Robert Spigner
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