Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Reason.
Hi Rob, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started playing music around 1971 at the age of 12 I was influenced by my father, Rob Reason Sr, who was a musician playing piano and trombone.
I remember a flatbed truck coming to my neighborhood on Orleans St back then and this band played soul music on the back of that flatbed, and I saw a guy playing guitar that was cool as all get-up, and I was hooked! The sound of the instrument pulled me in and I wanted to be like that cool guy on that truck playing that cool guitar sounding smooth like that. From then on every Christmas, I got a new guitar!
Along with my brother and two cousins, my father formed a group called the Black Notes and we were all self-taught and off and running playing in social clubs, bars, and neighborhoods, and festivals all over Baltimore. We didn’t make a lot of money, but we loved it! After we got older the guys dropped off, but I kept going, forming a few groups, but found out that “groups” don’t stay together and just don’t work.
I then went to a jazz event featuring world-renowned guitarist Mark Whitfield who was taught and brought up by George Benson and knew then I wanted to play jazz, as this guy was fast and held the audience’s attention throughout the show! I studied with him every week up in New York for about two years and also at Baltimore’s own Peabody Institute. Eventually, I hired musicians to play in my unit at first as the “Unit 1 Jazz Group” and up to now as The Rob Reason Jazz Group!
While the name says jazz group, plays all kinds of music including Gospel, R&B, Neo Soul, Blues, etc.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, I’d say it’s been a pleasurable experience, but in the music world, you can’t just be an artist. You have to deal with booking, contracts, traveling, hiring, firing, and multiple musician personalities which don’t always click.
The business aspect of it all is draining with people out there trying to get you for less than what you’re worth. But after many years in the music industry, you learn to set your standards and stick with them, and that’s when things start you work for you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work as a jazz guitarist is what I specialize in after years of performance and study. I am known for providing a total show, and giving the audience far more than they ever expected or imagined!
I am proud of the fact that I am known for, as I was taught by my father coming up in music, that I have stuck with his standards and teachings of being, well attired, prompt, professional, and performing emphatically well. These standards are what keep my clients coming back for more, hiring me for their different events!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Performing as a child group opening up for Baltimore’s own Soft Tones at the Famous Ball Room.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robreason.com
- Linkedin: Rob Reason
