Rob Barron, a London-based jazz pianist, arranger, and composer, is known for his versatility and creativity. He was born in East Yorkshire and began playing the piano when he was five years old. By the time he was fifteen, he was playing his first gigs with Jazz Soup, a Hull band that played a residency there for over two years. Rob moved to Leeds to study Jazz at Leeds College of Music in 2000. He was awarded the prize of outstanding performance on the BA Hons program. He was a first-call sideman for visiting musicians and played with Bob Mintzer and Tim Garland during his time in Leeds. After four years of being a piano player on the Manchester and Leeds scene, Rob moved to London to continue his education at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He earned an Mmus in Music Performance. Rob has been a major player in the London jazz and studio scene since his graduation. His jazz piano work has taken Rob all over the globe. He has performed with Al Jarreau, Marlena Shay (Ronnie Scott’s club residencies), Grant Stewart, Sheryl Baily, and in groups led by Jacqui Dankworth and Claire Martin, Dave O’Higgins and Steve Fishwick. Rob was also part of the Kairos 4tet, an award-winning group. He is a regular performer with the BBC Big Band, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and other jazz orchestras. Rob’s first album, “What’s In Store”, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. It features Colin Oxley playing guitar, Jeremy Brown on bass, and Josh Morrison playing drums. The group regularly performs at Ronnie Scott’s last show and plays at jazz clubs across the country. They have also supported Kenny Barron and Louis Hayes. Rob is a frequent visitor to New York and has studied with NY piano players Michael Weiss (NY), David Hazeltine (NY) and Michael Kanan. He performed in New York a number of gigs with Monika Ryan, a Chicago-based singer. Rob’s playing style is reminiscent of American tradition. He cites Wynton, Cedar Walton and Hank Jones as major influences in both his playing and arranging. Rob is a session musician for commercial purposes and has performed with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (The Philharmonia Orchestra), The Ulster Orchestra (Damon Albarn), Paloma Faith; Bryan Adams, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Ulster Orchestra and The Philharmonia Orchestra. He also plays in the BBC’s house band on many of its TV shows. Rob has been a studio musician on many film soundtracks, including Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby and The Son of The Sheik. The music was written by Carl Davis. Rob also appeared in TV series Ethel and Ernest and Peaky Blinders. Rob is also a part of a new animated version of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes for children. Rob can also be heard playing the piano in commercials for M
