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Rob Whitlock
ROB WHITLOCK
In basketball, Rob Whitlock would be known as “the sixth man,” the first player to come off the bench and the one expected to sink key baskets during crunch time. In baseball, he’d be “the utility player” who can play almost any position in the field day-after-day and can be counted on to connect when up at the plate. In the world of acting, Whitlock would be described as a “character actor,” someone who delivers a memorable and pivotal performance while occasionally stealing scenes from marquee stars. Now, through a two- part series of musical sketches that incorporate a variety of genres, the keyboardist- producer-composer proves that he is indeed ready for his close-up. And this time, the stellar cast is supporting him.
With more than two decades in music, Whitlock is a “musician’s musician” who has performed and recorded with a diverse array of top artists in pop, R&B and jazz. He’s a much sought after Hammond B3 organist, who also plays piano and keyboards in addition to producing, writing and arranging. Over a two-year span, Whitlock was joined in recording studios all over the U.S. by just a few of his friends to work on an eclectic music project called Sketchin’. Along with Michael Brecker, Vinnie Colaiuta, Anthony Jackson, Scott Henderson, Othello Molineaux, Pat Kelley, and Cliff Almond, Whitlock recorded enough material to populate two albums. Sketchin’ was released nationally last fall on the artist’s own Sketchin’ Records label. Sketchin’ 2 is scheduled for release this spring.
On the albums, the legendary saxophonist and eleven-time Grammy winner Brecker said, “It was a joy to be a part of the Rob Whitlock project. In addition to his being a fantastic player/composer, Rob has a knack for bringing out the best in the musicians with whom he plays. This was fun.”
Born in West Virginia, Whitlock grew up in South Florida where he started playing the Hammond B3 at the age of eight. His father, Bob, was a respected local jazz guitarist who encouraged his son to perform whenever his professional musician friends were over at the family house. Through his father’s record collection, he was introduced to artists like Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery and Charlie Parker. On his own, he discovered the music of Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Chick Corea, Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius. While he was a teenager, Whitlock learned how to make a living gigging on the Ft. Lauderdale/ Miami scene by playing keyboards and bass. When he was 17, he met Pastorius, who used to spend time learning from Bob Whitlock. The circle of learning perpetuated itself as Pastorius went on to become one of Rob’s greatest musical influences.
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Keyboardist Rob Whitlock Backed by a Stellar Supporting Cast on Sketchin' 2
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All About Jazz
Keyboardist Rob Whitlock takes his place on center stage backed by a stellar supporting cast on his new CD Sketchin' 2
Duet with Michael Brecker at radio while the critics praise the new collection of jazz, blues and fusion
After more than two decades of recording, performing and touring in support of jazz, pop and R&B stars, keyboardist-producer-composer-arranger Rob Whitlock is ready for his close-up. This time, the luminous cast is supporting him on Sketchin' 2, the album that hit ...
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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson