Baldwin, Bob [Robert Garfield Baldwin Jr.], pianos, keyboards; producer; b. Mt. Vernon, NY. He was born in Mt. Vernon Hospital. Larry Willis, a pianist, is a family cousin. Robert Garfield Baldwin Sr. was his father, 5/22/1926. Born in Mt. Vernon, NY. I played piano with Art Davis and Keter Betts, as well as local musicians Carmen Leggio (Saxophonists) from Westchester County. He fell ill in 1974 when he was only 40 years old, shortly before embarking on his first solo recording. Baldwin, who is still living, is a Jazz Artist and Radio Host, Music Presenter, as well as an Author. He is an undiscovered hero in Contemporary/Smooth jazz and is always on the move. This is mainly because he can march to a different beat…without compromise. Baldwin says that being independent gives me better equity opportunities over the long-term. This is something I can pass on my family after it’s all done. It’s not a new idea, but I believe it’s important to have ownership. Some of his recordings include greats such as Grover Washington, Jr. Phil Perry, Chuck Loeb, Marion Meadows, Noel Pointer, and Marion Meadows. His distributors, including Atlantic Records, WEA Ryko and Sony Red, are highly respected within the business. He suggests not taking the ‘independent” tag lightly. His experiences are paying off. The release of “Twenty”, his latest solo album, marks his 20th. He began as a solo artist in 1988 with the catchy title “I’ve got a long way to go” on Malaco Jazz. He’d love to record 40 discs before he retires. The album, which was released 08/20/13, features classics by Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, and debuted at #13 at the Billboard Contemporary Jazz. It has supplanted itself at the top 5 at Amazon Smooth Jazz since its release and reached #3 on Billboard Jazz Charts. TAKETIME TO HELP Prior to “Twenty”, his 19th album, “Betcha by Golly Wow” was released with Peak Records. It features Thom Bell, Philadelphia Songwriter legend and Music producer (who is best known for creating the Philadelphia sound for groups such as The Stylistics and the Spinners), and includes Paul Taylor, Russ Freeman and Vivian Green. Ragan Whiteside is also featured on “Twenty”. TAKING TIME to Help In the midst of his busy schedule, with a vision of using his gift of music to bless others and raise funds for those in need, he produced events such as “Jazz for Haiti” in 2010 and “Music For Dave” in 2013. Baldwin is still a trailblazer in the field of musical humanitarianism, and he returns to ArtsWestchester to serve as Curator for the NewUrbanJazz Series’ fifth season. The series will feature exceptional artists from Westchester County such as the Hiroshi Yamazaki Quartet, Vaneese Thomas, The Tony Jefferson Quartet (Jazz Vocal Standards), John Patitucci Trio and Vanese Thomas, who are all Pianist Extraordinaire. This program was created to highlight Westchester’s vast talent pool. It features artists who tour the world solo or along with other great artists such as Chick Corea and Ms. Aretha Franklin…in short, they are famous by association and highly respected by the best in their field. GOSPEL JAZZ – MUSIC FOR the SOUL December 2011 was busy too. His Gospel-Jazz album “Never Out of Season” is still an iTunes hit. It features hymns, gospel songs, and seasonal songs, with a touch of the Baldwin Re-harmonic vibe…that special twist. Baldwin said, “I wanted to create a project that could also be used throughout the year. Not just during holidays.” It is a continual rework of our spirits and souls, and a testimony to my personal life and relationship with God. God has been kind to me and gifted me with a great talent. He is my constant source of strength and direction. I give Him thanks. His Gospel influences include Tramaine Hawkins and Helen Baylor. Yolanda Adams and Vickie Winans are his Gospel influences. “Singing from God’s heart will save souls” Baldwin’s passion for playing is a result of his spiritual connection. You are better off asking someone else. Bob Baldwin became an author out of a need to pass on the torch to the next generation. Bob Baldwin published his first book, You Better Ask Someone! on December 13, 2011. The “Friggin” Music Business: Staying on Top of Your Career, which was published in eBook format for the Amazon Kindle and Apple’s iPad.
