ROBEZZ
Robezz began playing traditional African percussion instruments when he was very young. His introduction to the piano and music theory at the Togo School of Music resulted in an eight year career as a solo pianist, performing in the most prestigious hotels and clubs in Togo (West Africa) and Europe.
While working with his group Jazz Train, Ro began performing and recording with long time friend and singer, Sarah Agbeto. Ro and Sarah have become national celebrities in Togo and have gained respect and encouragement throughout Africa and Europe.
Robezz eventually moved to the United States and after much success in Iowa and Kansas he settled in Las Vegas where to this day, he continues to write, perform and produce great music in the jazz, smooth jazz and world genres. He also maintains a private teaching studio and his piano and song arrangement chops keep him in demand year round.
Ro’s work as a band leader and keyboardist has led to numerous recording and touring projects with such world renowned artists as Manu Dibango, Monique Seka, Jocelyn BeRoard(kassav'), and Meiway.
The most recent CD in the Robezz catalog is “Paradis Paradise” secured radio airplay in New Mexico, Nevada, California, Arizona, Michigan, Kansas and Missouri.
The new CD also received a favorable review from Skope Magazine:
Robezz is Las Vegas-based jazz artist and pianist extraordinaire. Inspired by some of jazz’s classic players, and influenced by his West African roots, the music of Robezz is a formidable combination of chops, infectious melodies and sexy rhythms. The musicianship on Paradis, Paradise, yes, no “e” in the first word of the CD’s title, is world-class and the songs will transport your mind to the coolest late-night jazz club that you could envision.
After years of recording and touring with some of the biggest names in jazz, Robezz has taken his rightful place in the front of the stage. For fans of jazz, smooth jazz and world music, Robezz is an artist that you must check out. He creates timeless music and it’s time for you to explore what this amazing artist brings to the table.
--- Skope Magazine
SELECT VIDEOGRAPHY & DISCOGRAPHY
● Living in Iowa / Iowa Public Television Series 2004
● Jazz in July All-Stars Compilation
● Featuring jazz headliners from throughout Iowa 2000
● Yayra “Blessing” African Gospel Album
● Topped radio charts as the most requested album of the year in Togo,
West Africa, 1998
● Doliho African Pop/Jazz, Featuring music composed, arranged produced, and performed by Robezz 1997 *****Manu DiBango Manu Invites Akofa A Chanter Otodi Studio / Lome, Togo
● Session Player for Jean-Mari Bolansasa Paris, France 1990
● Session Player for Agboti Caroline Studio; Paris, France 1989
SELECT PRODUCTION CREDITS
● Nam “Make It Happen for Me” African Pop
● Producer for Sarah Agbeto 1998
● Caroline Studio Paris, France 1990
● MASA Festival Ivory Coast, Africa 1990
● International Festival of Louisiana / Lafayette, Louisiana 1989
SELECT FEATURED PERFORMANCES
● The DENIS BONO SHOW LAS VEGAS2006 savery renaissance hotel 2005
● I’ll Make Me a World Festival Iowa Historical Building 2004
● Iowa State University Fisher Theater Ames, Iowa 2003
● The Iowa City Jazz Festival Iowa City, IA 2001
● Jazz in July Des Moines, Iowa 2001
● Art After Hours Des Moines Art Center 2000
● Wild Hare Reggae Club Chicago, Illinois 1999
● First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
● Opened for Burning Spear, Jamaican Reggae legend 1999
@ Simon Estes Amphitheater Des Moines, Iowa
● Opened for Sonia Dada 1999
@ University of Iowa Museum of Art Iowa City, Iowa 1997
● Bob Marley Festival Kansas City, Missouri
● Festival De La Musique Paris, France 1995
● African American History Month Festival Togo 1991-1994
● MASA Festival Ivory Coast, Africa
● International Festival of Louisiana LaFayette, Louisiana 1989
● Baobab Dakar, Senegal
● Palais Des Congres Lome, Togo, West Africa
● Opening act for Jean-Jacques Goldman 1987
TOURS
● Sister Yondo / West Africa 1994
● Meiway / West Africa 1994
● Soucous Star & Lokasa / West Africa 1994
● Jocelyne Beroard / West Africa 1992
● Manu DiBango / West Africa 1990
● Bayi Spinto & Francois Lougas / West Africa 1990
● Monique Seka / West Africa
Review By: Joseph A. Italiano - skope magazine
Robezz is Las Vegas-based jazz artist and pianist extraordinaire. Inspired by some of jazz’s classic players, and influenced by his West African roots, the music of Robezz is a formidable combination of chops, infectious melodies and sexy rhythms. The musicianship on Paradis, Paradise, yes, no “e” in the first word of the CD’s title, is world-class and the songs will transport your mind to the coolest late-night jazz club that you could envision.
After years of recording and touring with some of the biggest names in jazz, Robezz has taken his rightful place in the front of the stage. For fans of jazz, smooth jazz and world music, Robezz is an artist that you must check out. He creates timeless music and it’s time for you to explore what this amazing artist brings to the table. www.Robezz.net
Review By: Joseph A. Italiano
Review submitted: 2007/9/21
Review By: Joseph A. Italiano - skope magazine
Read more...