Rob Tobias and Friends
Eugene, Oregon, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Eugene songwriter creates spiritual journey soundtrack
December, 16 2005
In 2003, Eugene singer-songwriter Rob Tobias took a trip to Israel. The result is his latest CD, "By the River: Renewing the Jewish Spirit." He'll celebrate the CD's release with a party on Saturday at Tsunami Books. The river of the title and the CD's artwork isn't the Willamette, although Tobias said it could be. Instead, the photos were taken along the Jordan River in northern Israel, where Tobias visited while on a kibbutz.
to read the rest of the article by Carolyn Lamberson click here http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/12/16/5.tk.tobias.1216.p1.php?section=ticket - Eugene Register Guard
If you get a bunch of your best friends together and make an album full of songs about peace and love, this is what you'd get. Far from doom-and-gloom, "World in the World" offers messages of hope and possibility. It's a refreshing change from the "we're all gonna die" message albums.
Stylistically, this album works because the flow of music and lyrics places every song on the same realm of the possibility of a brighter future. It's fun music that teaches without preaching.
Independent Songwriter Web Magazine
February 2004 -
Independent Songwriter Web Magazine
"This kind of a delicious eclectic gumbo, mixing an extraordinary variety of musical styles, all reinforcing very positive, often spiritual themes. Tobias, a gifted songwriter with many talents, attracts a wonderful group fo associates in this project -not least- Maxxine, whose playing infects most of the songs with a high and happy energy. "Blessings," a boucy opening song provides just what it promises. "Narrow Bridge/Tree of Life" manages to combine reggae and a Klezmer edge. "Where is the Peace?" moves through a gentle reggae vibe and many seeming lullabyes and plaintive prayers follow. I don't think you had to live through the rebirth of the 1960s to enjoy this celebration of peace and diverse cultures. Most will simply enjoy and find a quiet home in the music that has resulted in the music that has resulted from Rob Tobias's profound, creative life journey.
Victory Review
March 2004 by Bill Fisher
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Victory Review
Discography
Rob Tobias and The Northwest Express (2011)
By The River (2006)
World in The World (2003)
Sparks (2000)
Bagel Roots and Water Dogs (1998)
Constant Rain (1994)
Photos
Bio
Rob Tobias has been putting out roots with his friends for over 15 years in the Northwest. He is known for his upbeat sound and positive lyrics. The friends fill out his folk / blues / reggafied / soulful sound.
Rob Tobias first CD, "Constant Rain" was released in 1994. It features several swing blues tunes as well as a small choir singing backup on some of the songs.
"Bagel Roots & Water Dogs" was released in 1998, with more of an acoustic folk sound but also exploring a variety of styles including swing blues, reggae, and rock.
"Sparks" was released in 2000 and lyrically reflects an interest in Jewish renewal and a song cycle inspired by Jewish celebrations.
“World in the World”, features Rob’s collaboration with an extraordinary flute player named Maxxine. Exploring themes of peace, justice, and Jewish roots the CD is uplifting and harmonious. Tobias and Friends move into the World music genre using tablas and sitar on one song and a full on reggae dub section on another. Maxxine shines on the "Lovebirds" waltz and while trading solos with Tobias's harmonica on "Hate Kills."
Rob Tobias has performed at national conferences such as CAJE (Coalition for Alternatives in Jewish Education) and the Kallah and has also played harmonica with Peter Himmelman on one of his Eugene concerts. In 2006 he released a CD of Jewish Americana soul music (By The River) containing originals and contemporary arrangements of traditonal songs.
Rob Tobias and Friends perform at clubs, bookstores, Jewish celebrations, and festivals such as Northwest Folklife (Seattle), The Willamette Valley Folk Festival (Eugene), and The Oregon Country Fair (Veneta).
He has also performed at and produced tribute concerts for George Harrison and John Lennon.
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