Robert Jospe - Drum Solo Artist

Robert Jospe

Drummer, percussionist and composer Robert Jospé is known for his inventive use of rhythmic styles incorporating salsa, samba, swing, funk and African rhythms into his own unique and distinctive style of contemporary jazz..

Jospé is a leader of his own jazz and world beat instrumental ensemble, Inner Rhythm, has been performing at festivals, concert halls, college venues, clubs and private functions throughout the mid-Atlantic region since 1990. (See Performances)

Jospé began his career in New York City. After attending New York University he became an active player in the New York jazz and rock scene for 15 years until he moved to Charlottesville, Va. A member of the University of Virginia's music department's performance faculty since 1989, Jospé teaches jazz drumming and is a member of UVA's highly acclaimed faculty jazz ensemble, The Free Bridge Quintet. Since 1992 he has received an ongoing touring grant from the Virginia Commission for the the Arts for Inner Rhythm and his educational lecture/demonstration The World Beat Workshop.

In 2004 "Hands On" Jospé's fourth CD as leader was released by Random Chance Records. His last two CDs "Time To Play" and "Blue Blaze" received four stars in DownBeat Magazine and had top of the charts national radio play . (see Press) "Hands On" features the same powerful group of musicians including Kevin Davis on percussion, Jeff Decker on saxophones, Bob Hallahan on piano, John D'earth on trumpet, Pete Spaar on bass, Royce Campbell on guitar and Elias Bailey on bass.

Jospé was nominated for a Governor's Award for the Arts in 2000. He was featured on Black Entertainment Television's program "The Jazz Scene" in February, 2001. In 2003 he was featured in Modern Drummer Magazine and on www.jazzweek.com and was an Independent Music Award Jazz finalist. He is also featured in the June 2004 issue of JazzTimes Magazine.

Jospé has performed on CD's and/or in concert with Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Dave Matthews, Joe Henderson, Dave Liebman, John Abercrombie, Tim Reynolds, Carter Beauford, John D'earth, Jeff Decker, John McCutcheon, Willie Nelson, and Robin and Linda Williams. He has also performed on numerous soundtracks for PBS, The Discovery Channel and independant film projects. (See Discography) His first album of original compositions entitled 'Inner Rhythm' also featured Michael Brecker, along with Dave Liebman, John D'earth, and John Abercrombie.