Rob Hall

Current Projects
News / Reviews
Recordings
New CD Release 02

TOUR DATES

2005 2004 2003 2002 2000 2001 1999 2006-08 2008 DIARY

Biography

rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians rob hall saxophone clarinet composer jazz classical music cd musicians Rob currently plays sopranino, soprano, alto and tenor saxes plus clarinet.

After gaining a degree and diplomas at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music, Rob Hall won a scholarship (worth half fees) to study at the U.S.A. Berklee College of Music under the tuition of Billy Pierce (Art Blakey etc.), Phil Wilson and others, specialising on both soprano saxophone and clarinet. Since then he has completed numerous tours with his own groups and projects. Performances and tours, along wth recordings and broadcasts for radio and television, have taken him throughout the UK, and to Germany, Italy, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic and USA.

He has performed/recorded with Mike Stern, Danny Gottlieb, Kenny Wheeler, Jim Mullen, Julian Arguelles, Dave O'Higgins, Anne Martin Ingrid Henderson, Simon Thoumire Orchestra Matthew Herbert Big Band, Tam White, Chick Lyall , Brian Kellock, John Rae, Philipp van Endert , Petre Dvorsky and many others. UK festival appearances include Bath, Cheltenham, Edinburgh International, BBC Proms, Skye, Celtic Connections, Tryptich and many more. A featured artist at festivals such as the Highland Festival Liverpool Jazz Festival, Glastonbury Festival Jazz Stage and Dusseldorf Jazz Schmiede he also performs in the classical field appearing as principal saxophonist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Rob is an active composer and has written for clarinet and piano, big band, solo piano as well as his numerous compositions for jazz ensembles.
Photos by Bastian Werner

Rob has many years experience in directing jazz courses and workshops around the UK and in Europe details He teaches jazz at the RSAMD (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) and has led award-winning student jazz ensembles. He is director of Jazz Course which runs jazz improvisation courses in the UK. In 2002 Rob is due to be Artist in Residence for WEA Scotland.

Hall's debut CD 'Open Up' (FMR 1997), which features guitarist Jim Mullen, attracted much media attention and excellent reviews. His second CD release for FMR 'Heading North', based around themes of the Scottish Highlands, has been enjoying similar success. Broadcasts have included BBCRadio2, BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM, BBC Scotland and others. John Wickes, author of 'Innovations in British Jazz' described it as

"A gem .... Pat Metheny could have authorised this, and maybe might wish he had."

What the press have said:

"Engaging … I was immediately drawn in." (Musician magazine)

"Saxophonist Rob Hall has made a substantial impression on both the local and European scenes in recent years." (The Guardian)

" ... a talent blessed with a staggering technique." (City Life, Manchester)

"Hall has strong ideas and a playful sense of form." (Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD)

"It's encouraging to hear a musician like Rob Hall blowing saxophone and clarinet in such a melodious way" (Jazz Journal International)

"Vibrant, often evocative ... he has a gift for writing bright, sinuous melodies over attractive rhythmic grooves fleshed out in turn with rich and often intricate harmonies." (The Scotsman)


Bookings Email:

WEB LINKS