Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Mandocello, Ukulele, Loops (2003-)
Playing the piano and singing from an early age, Robert has been making music for more years than he cares to remember. He bought an acoustic guitar when he was fourteen, but found it harder than expected to learn, and the guitar sat on top of the wardrobe for the next few years.
In his late teens, he met Robin for the first time and decided to give the guitar another try. Making good progress this time, he persuaded Robin that it would be a good idea to form a band with a couple of friends. The resulting collaboration was briefly called “Suspended Animation”, and then renamed “Friends In Low Places”.
They played a number of parties, school fetes and charity events in the Taunton area (most notably his own wedding reception and the local “Rock on the Green” event) over seven years with varying line-ups , but never broke into the local pub / club scene. Robert has also collaborated with Robin in an eight-piece 50s / 60s Rock & Roll cover band that has played two charity gigs and a birthday party.
Robert & James originally had the idea for an acoustic covers band in 2000, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2003 that everything came together and the seeds of Best Kept Secret were sown.
In his own words….
“I’d always wanted to entertain people and take an active part in the local music scene. As well as playing together in the band, we have all become good friends and enjoy going out together to listen to other musical acts.”
Robert plays a Breedlove AJ250-SF Plus 6-string guitar, an Aria electro-acoustic bass, a Parker P36 guitar with both acoustic & electric pickups, an Ashbury mandolin, a Lanakai Ukulele, a Hohner Melodica, and occasionally a David Oddy Cello-Mandolin (or Mando-cello). He also contributes some percussion, uses Boss effects, and like the rest of the band uses a Shure SM-58 for vocals.