“THE ROBERT REYNOLDS BAND”
THE PLAYERS-BIO
ROBERT REYNOLDS
Robert is a folk singer, song-writer from South Western Ontario, whose influences include Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens and Joan Baez. The music is Classic Folk and the lyrics are intelligent, personal, and moving. His song writing is a highly original blend of biting political commentary and the intimate tug-at-the-heartstrings yearning quality of the great pop ballads. Robert is a prolific writer with an unmistakable voice and he plays a mean harp.
Robert began his musical career singing in the Church Choir and High School Glee Club. After graduating from University with a Masters Degree in English Literature, Robert moved to Toronto where he produced the music for the Ontario Tourism Television Commercials.
In 1976 Robert moved to the National Capital Region where he formed a band, “Fat Shadows”, with musicians from across Canada. Robert has 1 album and 3 CD’s with “Fat Shadows”. Their album, “Squeeze It Out” made Billboard’s “Recommended LP’s List” in 1981.
Robert was also Lead Singer for “The Crowd” a 12 piece R&B show band from 1992-2008 during which time he played the Ottawa Blues Fest twice and the Limestone Blues Festival in Kingston.
In 2004 Robert began a new artistic and career direction with the Acoustic Act, “Robert Reynolds & Friends”. This new acoustic group has proven to be the perfect vehicle for Robert’s musical style, both writing and performing.
Robert Reynolds& Friends first CD, “Bright Side”, creatively engineered by Nick Blagona at Psychotropic Studios in Toronto was released in the fall of2004 followed by “Can’t Look Back” in2006, “About the Money” in 2008 and “Tomorrow Never Comes” in 2010, “Roll the Dice”. in 2011, “Nasty Weather” in 2012, “Diamond In the Rough” in 2012 and “Everything’s Burnin” in 2013.
Recently Robert changed the band name to “The Robert Reynolds Band”. Under this name 5 new CDs have been released. They are “Right to Rage” in 2014, “Rebel Yell” in 2015, “Mad As Hell” in 2015, “Wonderment” in 2016 and “Northern Boy” in 2017.
Robert has performed in the Coffeehouse, University and Bar Circuits across Ontario and throughout the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Over the years has performed at “The Bitter End”, “Rock and Roll Café” and “Kenny’s Castaways” in Greenwich Village, New York.
Also an actor, Robert has been performing on stage, film and Television since the Seventies in Toronto. This gives a seasoned professional quality to Robert’s stage performance which has been described as “evoking powerful emotional and intellectual responses”.
JOHN ROSSI
An accomplished drummer and percussionist who began his career in the mid-70s in Toronto where he met Robert and became one of the founding members of Fat Shadows. A rock drummer for the first 2 decades of his career John became the drummer for The Crowd at its inception and later moved to congas. He was with Robert in The Crowd when they played at the Ottawa Bluesfest and the Limestone Festival in Kingston. John brings a wealth of stage experience and a wide variety of styles and genres to his work with the band. His unique ability captures the subtle rhythms and enhances the rich melodies of the “The Robert Reynolds Band”. John has a style uniquely suited to Robert Reynolds original songs.
CAROLE LAPRISE
Carole began her career in 2004 singing back-up vocals for Fat Shadows. The new acoustic format has given Carole’s vocals greater importance and impact. Her unique sound and natural feel for harmony makes her vocal style the perfect dynamic complement for Robert’s vocals. She sings lead vocals, both solo and duet with Robert. Her vocals add melodies and harmonies in ways that’ll melt your soul.