ROB'S BIOGRAPHY
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Rob grew up listening to traditional Celtic music at family gatherings. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by the British Invasion groups and, though maintaining a love of Celtic music, also became interested in other musical genres. He started his vocal training in school choir and began studying guitar at age twelve. At age eighteen, he came under the tutelage of jazz bassist Brian Scott. Rob eventually dropped out of school high school to become a fulltime musician playing in an eclectic range of styles from Folk, R&B, Rock, Texas Swing, and Country. Rob's abilities grew with each group moving from harmony singer to lead singer and from bassist to lead guitarist. After a number of years, he grew weary of life on the road and the "business" aspect of the entertainment industry. Music had stopped being fun! He enrolled at the University of Winnipeg. After earning a pre-Masters degree in English and a BED, Rob became employed as a school teacher in Winnipeg School Division No. 1 and Literary Resource Developer at the John Howard Society of Manitoba.
In 1994, Rob ended his retirment and became bass player/vocalist in the Dust Rhinos. The Rhinos were a weekend party band and just the thing to put the fun back in music. Working on CD projects with the Rhinos helped spur Rob's creative juices. Asides from producing the CD, Rob wrote 5 songs on the Rhino's "On A Rampage" CD including the title track. After a time, tiring of being limited to a support role, and needing musical growth, Rob began looking for other musical vehicles. Eventually, Rob left the group along with Rhino drummer Mark Cameron and formed TARRY TROUSERS. The project allowed the lads to step into the spotlight as lead vocalists, instrumentalist, & frontmen as well as being able to further developing their songwriting abilities without losing the fun spirit which the Rhinos embodied so well. Their energies culminated in the release of their first CD "By The Seat Of Our Pants!" which featured seven original songs. Gigging endlessly, The lads went from relative unknowns to Winnipeg's most popular Celtic duo with a two year span.
However, the constant gigging, and a shift in musical interest, led to the departure of Mark in the Fall/02 to pursue a career in children's music. Since then, Trousered One TarryRob has continued carrying the TARRY TROUSER banner, maintaining the housegigs, the fanbase and the original spirit of the group. By employing a variety of guests artists culled from the cream of the Celtic community, the act has a fresh sound while still maintaining the songs, the energy and fun which fans have come to know and love.