Rob White
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Millions of musicians play the saxophone but few have the ability to stand out amongst the rest. Rob White began his musical journey at the tender age of 7 with a violin. Brought up in a family of singers, his mother encouraged him to play music and chose the instruments for young Rob to learn. In every instrument that was given to him, from the soprano, alto and tenor sax to the flute, Rob mastered it.
Rob always stood out amongst his peers until he attended high school. He knew that he was one of the best but he got tired of trying to prove himself to the band director, so Rob put aside all of his musical instruments and never played again for the high school band. Then one day a good friend and minister asked Rob to play the hymnal, “Blessed Assurance,” during church service. He put up a fight but eventually agreed to play. And like a pure rush, it was like reuniting with his “first love” and Rob hasn’t put down his instruments since that day.
Rob eventually moved to Indianapolis and got involved in the jazz scene. It would be at a friends gig that Rob would meet Erica Williams of E Square Entertainment “I couldn’t believe the powerful sound that came out of this humble, unassuming artist!” says Erica. That’s why when Rob White got the nod from Erica’s, long time friend Charles Huggins, he knew it was an incredible opportunity. “I am a real smooth jazz artist on Orpheus Music, the company responsible for the debut projects of so many musical artists!” Having a long history of hits, Orpheus has been responsible for such artists as Freddie Jackson, Meli’sa Morgan, Alex Bugnon, Andre Ward, and Najee. Rob knew this was the perfect place for such a young, creative artist as himself.
Creating his debut CD, “Let It Ride,” was a wonderful experience for this young talent. When Rob stepped into the studio, Yasha and he met on an entirely different level. The connection was a divine appointment. Yasha, a seasoned producer who has been a part of the Orpheus magic since the beginning also helped create the sounds for Najee and Alex Bugnon. Yasha took Rob to a level professionally that he didn’t know was obtainable. “When Rob began to play “I Wish I Wasn’t,” it sounded like a Heather Headley song, but when I told him to play it 2 octaves higher, he made it into a Rob White song. I saw Najee and “Sweet Love” all over again” says Yasha. And Rob makes it known, “Yasha taught me to take control of the tune and not let the tune take over me.”
While Rob and Yasha created magic in the studio, Beau Huggins, President of Orpheus and Executive Producer for all of Hush Production and Orpheus hits done for artist Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson and Najee just to name a few, began to give the project direction. “I am the coach and I know how to bring out the best in the team,” says Beau. Charli Huggins adds, “We knew bringing the two together would create magic. The chemistry between the two was undeniably unique.” This album came together like a musical storybook. The song “Right There” was created as a romantic song but it developed into something so diverse, resulting as the creativity allowed during every session. “Summer Groovin” almost made the cutting floor, but Beau saw something special in it, Rob played the soprano and the alto saxophone on the verses for this single. This CD offers so many special moments but the most personal and intimate one was the tribute to musical pioneer Luther Vandross on “A House Is Not A Home.” Rob shared, “We lost one of our all time greats and I wanted to acknowledge him.”
With such musical influences as Luther Vandross, jazz legend Grover Washington Jr., Yolanda Adams and Sade, fans are sure to find a bit of each in Rob’s music. The CD offers listeners a range of musical styles and takes one on an emotional roller coaster. From music that makes you bop your head to songs that make you think of those intimate special moments, “Let It Ride” will send listeners on a musical journey. Imagine, if this young saxophonist from Dallas, Texas had given up because of the skepticism of a teacher, he wouldn’t have the fan base nor the career that he has today
