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By the River

(Renewing The Jewish Spirit)

A song cycle from the world of Jewish Renewal, Eugene style, or as local Rabbi Hanan Sills says, "Rob Tobias songs are like old wine in new bottles." Indeed many of the songs on the new CD have been used as part Rabbi Hanan’s, Ad Olam / Synogouge Without Walls services. Some of the songs were also inspired by a tour of Israel that Rob and a group of 20 people, including flute playing friend Maxxine, took in December 2003. The music can be described as contemporary Jewish folk or even Jewish Americana.

World in the World

"This is kind of a delicious eclectic gumbo, mixing an extraordinary variety of musical styles, all reinforcing very positive, often spiritual, themes. Tobias, a gifted songwriter with many talents, attracts a wonderful group of associates in this project -not least- the flutist named Maxxine, whose playing infects most of the songs with a high and happy energy. I don't think you had to live through the rebirth of the 1960s to enjoy this celebration of peace and diverse cultures. Most will simply enjoy and find a quiet home in the music that has resulted from Rob Tobias's profound, creative life journey." Bill Fisher (Victory Review)

The music can be described as World Folk with the use of Americana roots along with reggae and Jewish roots, giving a folksy but rhythmic multi-cultural sound. Originality shines through in the lead and background vocals as well as the instrumental arrangements using piano, acoustic guitar, flute, mandolin, harmonica, drums, bass, and even tabla and sitar on one song. Rob Tobias and Friends perform at clubs, bookstores, Jewish celebrations, and festivals.

Click on here to go to the DISCOGRAPHY page to hear more audio samples.

Quotes and Comments

From Vicy Megowan
"My favorite of all your songs is still "Traveling Again." I usually play it the most when listening to your CD.  I love all your ideas for "Hope for the Future" and see it as a song that can awaken or re-kindle parts of us to make this world a better place. There's something about setting a theme to music that can awaken us on a more sub-conscious level too because it's more emotional than the spoken word.

 

From Royce Jones, songwriter
"Rob, I had to write to tell you how much I'm enjoying your song blogs.
I can't tell you which one I like the best, for I find myself listening to all of them again and again. By the way, your arrangement of "Why Won't You Bring the Troops Home, Uncle Sam?" is great. You really capture the spirit of the song. Thanks, and keep those songs coming!"  

From Tsunami Books CD concert
"I loved the music. Thanks for sharing your gifts with all of us lucky people. I especially felt moved by your Jordan River Song. I felt that Great Spirit was truly present with your entire band when you sang that and shared what you did. Thanks again."  Amira

From the Sante Fe Art Opening
"Rob, you did what no else in Sante Fe does. You brought people together and into the gallery. I'm very happy."  Adieb Khadoure

 

From the Ukiah concert:
"Unique renditions of classics as well as beautiful and heartfelt originals by Rob provided holy messages that were accented by Maxxine's genius on the flute."    Rabbi Shoshanah Devorah

 

From the Tree of Life Bookstore:
"What a wonderful performance! Such talented people, such deep feeling in your playing, resonating with each other. Want to hear more!!"
George Lachman