In 1978 The Bill Dicey-Robert Ross Band backed Big Joe Turner on an album for Spivey Records. In 1980 Robert Ross's "Sittin' In The Jailhouse" was recorded by Johnny Winter. Robert has worked with everyone including Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker and Dr John. He continues to win awards and was a NY State Arts Council re-grant recipient in 2005. Robert Ross has devoted his life to making music.

This is Robert's seventh album, this time for Fountainbleu Records. Robert is a gifted songwriter, guitarist and vocalist and he shows us just how good he really is. Opening with "Tonight's The Night" the first of ten originals, one is immediately impressed. Both "All Dressed Up, No Place To Go", and "69 Chevy" are more rockabilly styled tunes. "Born With These Blues" is autobiographical. Robert's guitar solos are outstanding. Robert is also a vocalist possessed of a pitch perfect voice. The songs therefore sound complete as if they almost wrote themselves.

In a world where we often look for the "next big thing" we tend to overlook our most dependable talents. On "Harlem Nocturne", a classic instrumental, Robert's guitar playing is a crazy mixture of rock, blues and jazz, while still remaining mysterious. On "King Bee" Robert plays tribute to Slim Harpo. Robert also covers Elmore James "It Hurts Me Too" and he shows us he can still "slide".

In a career that spans almost forty years there will be ups and downs. Robert Ross still enjoys performing whether it be with his full band, in a duo, or as a solo performer. Robert writes "If I Had Known" "that I would have lived this long I would have taken better care of myself". In a celebration of life Robert closes the album with the New Orleans styled "Come On Let's Rock". Catch up with Robert, visit his website at www.robertrossband.com

Best known as an award winning blues artist, guitarist Robert Ross went the politically conscious route with the four song EP of all original fare.

Released in time for the 2004 presidential elections, Ross' latest project packs plenty of thoughtful lyricism into a compact package. Aided by the threesome of keyboardist Jon Loyd, bassist Mark Dann and drummer Phil Cimino, the Queens guitarist steps away from his blues roots for an outing more rooted in pop and rock while taking aim at the policies of the Bush Administration. Given Ross' lefty views, he questions our involvemnet in Iraq (the piano driven "What Are We Fighting For?") and a response to 9/11 that ended up getting misduided along the way (a chugging "Fee Fie Foe Fum"), Ross' lyrics are simple yet straightforward, whether he's singing, "We've had it with election fraud/Democracy must be restored" throughout the rollicking, 2000 election diatribe, "One Man One Vote," or imploring for "peace/love/hope/grace" in the uplifting, gospel slow-burn of "We Are One." Ross sprinkles enough Clapton-like riffing on the latter song to remind us of his considerable talents while letting his conscience be his guide.

I have been a fan of Robert for over twenty years. I have seen him play in small clubs and back up such greats as Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. His lighting fast solos and great slide playing are truly amazing and he does all this and is as clean a player as I have ever seen. This first major release is a good effort by Robert with good original tunes and some fine covers. Robert has at last started to get the recognition he so long has deserved, play both the Chicago Blues Festival and the Montreal Jazz and Blues Festival this year. The CD is well worth a listen, but do your self a favor catch him live. You will be blown away.

Robert Ross Band - Robert Ross, NY blues scene mainstay since the late 1960's, is a fine all around guitarist. Playing conventionally or slide, he draws from a variety of styles ranging from from Robert Johnson and Billie Holiday to the driving blues of Albert King . Although he enjoys a large following in Europe, he is relatively unknown beyond NYC. Its shame! He has all tools to be a major star in the USA. 2003

Some recordings can only be played at one level. Turn it up, stick a little cotton in your ears, and let the music scream!

That's the only way to listen to "Lightness . . . to Dark" (Brambus 199914-2), the raucous rave from the Robert Ross Band. Recorded in March of 1993 in a dark club that catered to blues enthusiasts and closed its door not long after this album was captured, the album finds Robert Ross and his two colleagues in what must have been rare form.

I never heard of Ross, but on this session he plays excellent blues guitar and sings like he grew up in Memphis. The somewhat funky sound makes the listener feel like he or she is hanging tight on the lip of the stage, delighted to be enveloped in the mass of sound put together by Ross and his bassist Mark Dann and drummer Howie Wyeth.

The music is masterful renditions of some of the best blues tunes of our time, including "Seventh Son," "Let's Go Get Stoned," "Ninety-Nine and a Half," and "Why Don't You Do Right."

This is blues at its best: live and gutsy. Hats in the air and let's all cheer!

Emerging from the shadows as one of New York City's best-kept musical secrets, Robert Ross' newest finds the bluesman penning 10 new cuts (of the album's 13 total), including the hard-edged shuffle "Make Up for Lost Time," rollicking "Tonight's the Night" and pounding rave-up "Come On Let's Rock." Of the three covers Ross includes, his slide-guitar work on Elmore James' "It Hurts Me Too" and Slim Harpo's "King Bee" grinds and bites in a manner that does justice to these late legends. As for this modern fretmaster's rendering of "Harlem Nocturne," suffice it to say that he's as equally at ease with softer and subtler nuance as he is tearing into harder-edged 12-bar blues. Ross even manages to sound like Eric Clapton circa 461 Ocean Boulevard on "If I Had Known," thanks to his rich-sounding vocal phrasing and crisp soloing. Although the production can be slick and a little too clean around the edges, and "I Am What I Am" falls a bit flat, Sleight of Hand is one musical trick worth experiencing.

New York City blues guitarist/singer/songwriter Robert Ross recently released an excellent new CD, Sleight of Hand on Fountainbleu Records.

Ross has recorded with Big Joe Turner and one of his songs, "Sittin' In The Jail House" was recorded by Johnny Winter. Ross has also backed up Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Memphis Slim, Big Mama Thornton, Brownie McGhee, Otis Rush, Dr. John and many other legends.

Blues great Albert King said, "Ross is so fast, lightning would have to get on roller skates to catch him." Jimmy Page, after hearing Robert's band, used one word to describe what he had just heard, "HOT!"

For more information or to hear soundclips, visit Ross's website at www.RobertRossBand.com.

Guitarist-vocalist Robert Ross had been a fixture of the overlooked New York City blues scene for more years than he probably cares to admit. Bob Dylan, who once hired Ross' drummer-keyboardist, Howie Wyeth, says, "You don't get older, you just get better." That's certainly the case with Ross' Stevie Ray Vaughan-like playing and Southside Johnny-ish sense of fun, which make his long awaited "Sleight Of Hand" disc soulful fun for the most part. A rocking version of Earle Hagen's "Harlem Nocturne" is interesting, but I wish Ross hadn't bothered with my favorite blues song, Elmore James' "It Hurts Me Too," because he trades in the original emotion for a mumbling rumble. Some of his originals also could be better arranged to match his excellent playing. On such fiery tunes as Ross' "She's Fine as Fine Will Ever Be," you can hear a sense of studio restraint just waiting to bust out live. Check it out Thursday at Triumph Brewing Company in Princeton. 3 Stars!!

Bob Makin Staff Writer

Amazon.com: What is your name and role in the group (e.g., vocalist, guitarist)?

R.R.: My name is Robert Ross and I play the guitar, and sing in my own band. The Robert Ross Band is a trio of guitar, bass and drums. We play blues, and blues rock mostly, but don't be surprised to hear something unexpected once in awhile too.

Amazon.com: How did you begin creating music?

R.R.: I always wanted to write songs to express my feelings and thoughts. When I started playing guitar, the process of writing sort of came into focus and I had the tools necessary to structure what I wanted to do. I started writing at 16 or 17 years of age, about the same time I started on the guitar.

Amazon.com: What musician or musicians have inspired you the most? How about other artists or authors?

R.R.: Many blues, rock and jazz artists have influenced me enormously. Perhaps the ones who have inspired me the most are Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King, Elmore James, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Chuck Berry.

Amazon.com: What do you want your music to communicate?

R.R.: Peace, hope, love, understanding and tolerance. Excitement, and fun are also important in life and music.

Amazon.com: If you could jam with any artists, living or dead, who would they be?

R.R.: I've already jammed with a few greats including Art Blakey, Jimi Hendrix, Richie Havens, Albert King, Junior Wells, Dr. John, John Lee Hooker, Big Joe Turner, Big Mama Thornton, Memphis Slim, Lightnin' Hopkins, Sunnyland Slim, and Muddy Waters. I would like to have jammed with Louie Armstrong, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Ray Charles, Howling Wolf, Dizzy Gillespie, Earl Hooker, Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. Mozart, Beethoven and Bach would have been educational too, wouldn't you think?

Amazon.com: What record would you rescue first from a burning house?

R.R.: My new, as yet untitled cd which is a work in progress would have to be first on my rescue list. Hey, a guy has to be practical. Then my Brambus cd "Darkness ... To Light." After that I'd have to get my guitar and amp out of there fast.

Amazon.com: What's the most embarrassing album in your collection--your guilty pleasure?

R.R.: I have some stuff that some people might find ridiculous, and I might be embarrased if they knew about it, but I wouldn't want to denigrate someone else's taste, at least publicly. I also think that all music provides something for the soul, even if we aren't able to verbalize it, or even feel it ourselves. It's good for someone somewhere in some place and time. It all has a place in the great scheme of things. It's all good, as they say.

Amazon.com: What's your favorite book?

R.R.: Hmmm, I'm not a big reader but some of my favorite movies are "The Thing" (the black and white original), "It's A Wonderful Life", "Once Upon a Time In The West", "On The Waterfront", and "Dr. Strangelove."

Amazon.com: Feel free to use this space to write about whatever you wish: your family, your hometown, hobbies, favorite places, where you've lived, where you went to school, what jobs you have had, your favorite color/food/pet/song/movie, or what you think of just about anything.

R.R.: I am an award winning blues artist who has 5 recordings out under my own name and I am currently on Brambus Records. I have been a mainstay of the NY scene since the late 1960's. I have recorded with Big Joe Turner. One of my songs, "Sittin' In The Jail House,", was recorded by Johnny Winter. I have worked with Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Memphis Slim, Mama Thornton, Brownie McGhee, Otis Rush and Dr. John etc. Bill Carlton of the NY Daily News wrote, "Robert Ross is the total package .... a fine singer, a snappy lyricist, and an even better bluesrock guitarist". Please feel free to check out my website at: WWW.ROBERTROSSBAND.COM

With Summer almost half over, the financial district has been granted a relief from the roller coaster Stock Market ride with the re-opening of Tribeca Blues. With its old downtown red brick walls and pyramid glass lights strung off the beams on the ceiling, its large red neon BEEFEATERS sign behind the railroad style bar all open into a large enough but cozy stage area with down home couches and speakeasy tables and chairs; a perfect setting to shake off your blues.

The re-opening was given a spirited kickoff on Thursday night by the Robert Ross Band. The opening set was a tasteful potpourri of many different styles, from Robert Johnson and Billie Holiday to the driving blues of Albert King . The white and blue spotlights set the atmosphere for songs such as "I'll Go Crazy" a blistering James Brown piece of Rock-Blues and the Thirties' moanful "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do" with soulful, fluid, continuous jazz riffs. Then Ross gets down with Delta Slide blues by Robert Johnson, that old standard, "Love in Vain". Then Ross delivers the crying slide guitar, screeching up and down the guitar neck version of "Walking Blues" with a great driving bass and drums.

Ross's version of "Born Under A Bad Sign" featured Stiletto pointed precision single note solos and rolling chords, rising dynamics. His close was 40's style "White Boy Lost In The Blues" a perfect finishing touch to a nicely balanced set.

With the resurgence of Blues in the City, Manhattanites are sure to keep a watchful eye on the future acts when Tribeca Blues starts booking their Fall and Winter season. So say Goodbye to the Summertime Blues and hello to:

Being a professional musician is one of the greatest jobs you may ever imagine. It is also unbelievably difficult. Play the blues, and you complicate the equation substantially; however, you never run out of material. In this collection Ross, who has long been one of New York City's premier guitarists, shows just how he earned that status. Ross is an all around guitarist. Playing conventionally or slide, he has an arsenal of attacks, a wide vocabulary of voicings and a full bag of styles. He is also a keen observer able to translate what he sees into lyrics. Combine these with a one of a kind voice, and you've got a chest full of tools to fashion some great tunes. Most of these songs are original. Ross puts as much into his composition as he does his presentation. One standouts is the bonus track "Red Handed," actually a re-recording from a previous release. The opener "Tonight's the Night" showcases Ross's voice as well as his fretboard facility. In my opinion, and this took a lot of consideration, "Born with the Blues" has hit written over every bar. It's not often you get a project that scores as highly as this one. Great songs, amazing musicians and first class production get this CD nothing lower than the higest recommendation. Put it at the top of your list. Ross appears frequently in this area, and will be bringing it all to the stage at the Second Annual Riverhead Blues Festival in July. To get more information, book the band or order this CD call 718-380-6664, or e-mail ROBERTROSSBAND@aol.com.

"Though veteran Flushing, New York, singer-guitarist Robert Ross has no problem with setting the guitar-solo button to 'continuous,' what really stands out on this set is his trio's upbeat power-pop sound." [Knopper] (Brambus)

This is the fifth, very impressive release from Robert Ross, the veteran NYC guitarist/vocalist/songwriter. "Darkness… to Light" offers a mix of "low down and dirty" blues, rootsy rock 'n' roll and bluesrock originals that showcase Robert's real gift for combining witty, clever, even thought-provoking lyrics with an upbeat, high energy, get out of your seat groove. He sure knows how to transform a miserable experience into great storytelling, and a good time! (Ain't that the blues?)

This release features the late Howie Wyeth on drums (and keyboard) and Mark Dann on bass who form a dynamic and explosive rhythm section. The cd is mostly studio recorded, but also includes two live covers &endash; tributes to the old masters - that let you focus down on Robert's smooth, soulful, melodic voice. There's one more cover, King Bee, that was recorded in the studio. All of the other 15 tracks are original. His first-rate hard-driving bluesrock guitar shines on every track.

"Devil Beasts" is a great example of Robert's unique, eerie, imaginative writing. The tension builds to a peak, driven by an exceptional slide guitar as the guy makes his getaway .... from what?? Sounds like there's a hellhound on his trail! "I Want You To Love Me" is the great Muddy Waters classic that everybody loves but not everyone can sing convincingly. This is an intense gritty sensual rendition delivered with passion. There's also some very nasty, soulful guitar in there to boot. "She's Fine" is my other favorite on the CD. It has tight vocal harmonies, sweet wistful lyrics and haunting instrumental passages. It builds in intensity right up to the thrilling and chilling fade out ending.

Robert has been a mainstay on the NY blues scene since the late 1960's. He has recorded with Big Joe Turner, one of his songs has been recorded by Johnny Winter, and he has worked with many of the greatest names in blues and earned their praise.

Although fairly well known in Europe where his cds are more readily available, Robert Ross is deserving of a much larger audience in his own USA. Cds are available at his website: WWW.ROBERTROSSBAND.COM

Here's another one from New York. Somehow I've got a few artists from NY this time around, but I guess that's all right. To be frank, we haven't had too much stuff from that town before.

This new CD by Robert Ross would be truly something for your party. Bluesy rock n' roll is what I would call it. And apart from two songs ("King Bee" by Slim Harpo and "It Hurts Me Too" by Elmore James) all of the tunes have been written by Robert Ross himself. He's done a terrific job too; Sleight of Hand is a truly entertaining and good album. Well, come to think of it, it's actually a combination of two previous CD's released on his own label and put together into one. I guess he felt that after 20 years in the business, there was now something of an international market for it? It wouldn't have been a moment too soon either - Robert Ross sings with great authority, has a good voice and is a brilliant guitar player, whether on the acoustic, electric or slide guitar.

Robert Ross &endash; you better remember the name. Check out his website: RobertRossBand.com. And in addition you could take a glance at the website of the record company: FountainbleuEntertainment.com.