A Periodic Rush Of Wavesis Rob's third in a trilogy of albums exploring the interstices-by turns poignant and absurd- of love, literature and science. Produced by Stewart Lerman (Dar Williams) and featuring guest performances by Marshall Crenshaw and Jules Shear, the song cycle showcases Rob's brilliant NYC band of 15 years: guitarist Jon Herington (Steely Dan, Madeleine Peyroux), bassist Paul Ossola (Levon Helm) and drummer Robin Gould (GE Smith)- with Rob on piano and vocals. Adding quirk and charm are Rob's (by now) tell-tale orchestrations that occasionally delve into classical realms.
With a touch of American noir, 'I Want To Be The One' is a story of longed-for retribution. Someone is going to expose the ugly truth and the singer 'wants to be the one.' The dark ambiguities of the narrative, and of the relationship between the singer and his protagonist, unfold over a richly orchestrated track; payback is driven home with a powerful, classic pop hook enhanced by Crenshaw's signature background vocals.
The Beatlesque extravaganza 'It's Only a Song' was inspired by the postmodern gamesmanship of authors like Paul Auster, Michael Frayn and Ian McEwan. Rob plays with listeners' perceptions and loyalties and declares that they have been deceived by an aural sleight of hand: a periodic rush of waves wrongly invested with meaning. 'The Music of Time' is sung by an imagined Charles Darwin on the SS Beagle. Featuring lines lifted from actual correspondence, Darwin sings passionately of his growing insight into the theory of evolution while bemoaning his romantic betrayal by former girlfriend Fanny Owen. 'Bloodstains', a Dylan-esque rocker, chronicles another ended relationship even as the singer fails to understand his own fallen nature ('The only ting you left me was a bloodstain on my sheet.')
The son of an itinerant American fine artist, Rob grew up in Oxford, England and studied composition at the University of Edinburgh. Now based in NYC, his keyboard and arranging skills have led to sideman work with Crash Test Dummies, Marshall Crenshaw, Jules Shear, Loudon Wainwright III, Dan Zanes, Willie Nile and many more. He is also a busy working composer and scores the acclaimed PBS series NOVAscienceNOW.
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