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Take Five With Robert Spigner

By AAJ Staff
May 28, 2010
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Meet 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

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">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

guitar
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">George Benson,

Natalie Cole

vocals
1950 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Kenny G and

Dave Koz

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">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.

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