Composer, arranger, conductor, producer, Bobby Schiff is one of Chicago's premiere jazz pianists. His formal training at an early age in classical performance and composition laid the groundwork for a professional career that began in college. While there, he began a deep exploration of Gabriel Fauré's chamber music, an interest that brings him happily to the Jazz Fauré Project today.
Signature jazz pianists like Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson and Gene Harris have greatly influenced Bobby's playing, especially in his soaring improvisations with his own Jazz Trio or accompanying jazz and cabaret vocalists.
On the Chicago and Los Angeles music scenes for over 35 years, Bobby Schiff has led orchestras and bands, performed on piano and keyboards, directed, composed and arranged for and with the best. Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Bobby Rydell and Ruth Pointer, are just a few of the premiere entertainers and musicians he's worked with in the U.S. and internationally.
As a youngster, he worked several years at Universal Recording Studios in Chicago, honing his skills in the music production and publishing business. Throughout the 70's, his award winning commercial music business served such clients as Kimberly-Clark, Sesame Street, McDonald's, John Deere, Sears, Kraft and Hallmark. Several years in Los Angeles provided feature film and television opportunities in composing and arranging. Playing in L.A. record studio recording sessions with such greats as Marvin Hamlisch and Jerry Goldsmith, kept up his performance "chops".
A true music professional, Bobby has served for many years as a National Trustee and National Vice-President of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The GRAMMYs). He is currently Vice President of the Association of Professional Orchestra Leaders and is a member of ASCAP and ASMA.
When not called for out of town duties like Wayne Newton’s 2001 USO "A Taste of Home Tour," Bobby is working primarily in Chicago as one of the nation's premier vocal arrangers and accompanists. Playing, arranging and producing albums for numerous independent artists; he also performs with his own jazz trio at several Chicago venues. Since its inception, Bobby has been Music Director for the annual Women of Southport Jazz Festival in Chicago. He leads several of his own successful events bands; Phoenix, The Bobby Schiff Band and the Bobby Schiff Jazz Trio, and he is a mainstay in the R&B events band Funk Among Us.
Recent studio recording work includes:
* Arranging, producing and playing on "The Rose," singing phenomenon Susan May’s first album.
* Arranging and playing on cabaret singer/stylist Joan Curto’s latest album, released late 2004.
* Arranging and playing on the jazz album "Concerto for 2," in duo with trumpeter, Warren Kime.
* Arranging, producing and playing on the jazz-swing album "Love Walked In" with trombonist Russ Phillips.
* Arranging, playing and producing "saloon singer" Libby York's album "Blue Gardenia."
* Arranging, producing and playing on jazz vocalist Eugenia Elliott's album "Where or When."
Visit Bobby's website:
www.bobbyschiffmusic.com
Email:
Bobby Schiff
bobby@bobbyschiffmusic.com
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