Having collaborated with many of the most iconic musicians of our generation, it is widely affirmed that Robert Hurst can be considered one of the legendary bassists and indeed musicians of our time. During his career spanning now more than 30 years, Robert has played a key role in the music of artists including Winton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Harry Connick Jr., Terence Blanchard, Tony Williams, Nicholas Payton, Sting, Carl Allen, the legendary Pharaoh Sanders. Currently Robert can be on stage with Ravi Coltrane, Orrin Evans, Chris Davis and of course, Diana Krall. As a recording musician and producer, Robert has contributed as a performer and/or producer on over 250 diverse and critically acclaimed recordings. A select group of these productions have garnered seven GRAMMY® Awards, several RIAA ® certified-Multi-Platinum and Gold recordings, while his own seven recordings as a Bandleader have all generated Top Ten and Five Star recognition around the Globe.
In addition to his work as a performer, Robert is also a highly respected and well-recognized composer, having produced seven acclaimed albums as a leader as well as composing the original music scores for several films, including: “The Wood”- MTV/Paramount Productions, “Brown Sugar”- Fox Films. Hurst appears on over 30 Major Motion Film & Video Soundtracks and has featured solos and performances captured on Blockbusters: “Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen,” and “Good Night, and Good Luck,” the soundtrack featuring Dianne Reeves. You may also recognize Robert Hurst as the inaugural bassist in the house band of “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno for eight seasons, from 1992 to 1999. His work in performing, directing, arranging, and composing on the NBC program was highlighted with four EMMY® Awards in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1999.
Universally recognized as an authoritative presence in today's industry, Robert's reach of influence has led to his position on the ISIM Advisory Council and since 2002, serving on the Board of Directors for The John and Alice Coltrane Foundation. As an educator, Robert currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Music, with Tenure, and the Director of Small Jazz Ensembles in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance in Ann Arbor.
Keen to maintain agency of his recorded music and with a strong desire to curate music of the next generation, Robert established his own label, BeBob Records, which will be fully launched internationally in 2024. Not only serving as a vehicle for his current recording projects, in the summer of this year, BeBob Records will release a number of archival recordings, including among others, a trio album, featuring Elvin Jones and Kenny Kirkland. Robert also has a number of recordings featuring new music for his current projects in production and set for release over the next 12 months.
Robert's current projects include "Black Current Jam," an eclectic project at the intersection of jazz and beyond, a Duo and Trio project featuring pianist Ian Finkelstein and drummer Karriem Riggins, continuing the D3 tradition that featured the late iconic pianist Geri Allen. In late 2024, BeBob Records will release an archival studio recording of the Robert Hurst Quartet featuring Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, and Jeff "Tain" Watts. To continue this project, 30 years on, Robert returns to the studio to record new music with this quartet adding In Finkelstein with the album set for release in early 2025. This Quartet will be touring the USA and Europe in 2025.
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