Rob Kohler (born October 3, 1963) is an American jazz bass player, composer, educator, and author, best known as being the bassist for the band This World and a bass instructor at the Stanford Jazz Workshop.
Rob Kohler | |
|---|---|
 Rob Kohler pictured in 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Robert Mahlon Kohler |
| Origin | Great Falls, Montana |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Educator, musician |
| Instrument(s) | bass |
| Years active | 1981– |
| Website | www |
Early life edit
Raised in Montana, Kohler often performed music with his parents and siblings in his youth.[1] He began playing bass at age 12. He has listed Jon Entwistle, Eberhard Weber, and Jaco Pastorius as early influences.[2]
Music career edit
Kohler has performed with artists such as Danny Gottlieb, Taylor Eigsti, John Stowell, Ambrose Akinmusire, Fabian Almazan, Anton Schwartz, and Leon "Ndugu" Chancler.[3] With his older brother Lee Kohler, he was a founding member of the band In Flight in 1985. In Flight grew popular in Montana and performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1989.[4] After disbanding in 1990, Lee and Rob reformed the group in 1995 under the name This World. They released an eponymous album in 1996, produced by Cookie Marenco.[5]
Kohler has been associated with Oregon-based Folk singer Alice Di Micele since 2000, appearing on several of her albums and touring with her often.[6] Kohler works often with local Pacific Northwest musicians such as Olem Alves, Ann Tappan, and Jared Burrows.[7] Since 2018, Kohler has toured with Halie Loren.[8] With the Peterson Kohler Collective, Kohler released the acclaimed album Winter Colors in the winter of 2019.[1]
Teaching edit
Kohler began teaching at the Stanford Jazz Workshop in 1991. He was education director at SJW from 2006–2007.[4][9] Kohler also taught at NOCCA in New Orleans, Louisiana, implementing a Middle School Jazz program there that lasted until 2009.[10] He has been an instructor at the annual South Delta Jazz Workshop in Ladner, BC since 2003.[11] In 2013, Kohler wrote and published a text book on Beginner Jazz Theory, entitled Music Theory from A to G.[12]
Personal life edit
Kohler's brother Lee Kohler and sister Kate Kohler are also prominent musicians, and the three collaborate often.[1] Formerly based in Eugene, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, Kohler returned to Montana in 2014 and currently resides in Great Falls.[13] He has three children.
Discography edit
As leader edit
- Winter Colors (Origin Records, 2019) (With Peterson Kohler Collective)
- Harmony and Bells (2007) (with Clay Green)
- Spirit Session (2005) (with Morgan Scott and Jason Palmer)
- A Thousand Faces (1998)
As sideman edit
This World
- Intentional Feedback (2018)
- Celestial Skies (2013)
- Beyond the Beyond (2000)
- This World (1996)
- ...Imagine a Music (1986) (as In Flight)
With Alice Di Micele
- By Ebb & By Flow (2007)
- Alice Live (2000)
With Kate Kohler
- Wake Up! Songs for a Rainy Day (2015)
- Unexpected Romance (2010)[14]
Inner Limits
- Live at the McDonald Theater (2005)
- The Sound (2005)
with Jared Burrows
- Aspects (2009)
- Plan on Stan (2003)
- December Sessions (2001)
- Northern Exposure (1999)
With others
- The Honorifics, ¡Wow! (2014) (Winner of Best Easy Listening Producer at 2014 Indie Music Channel Awards)
- The Real Cool Killers, Parades and Saints (2010)
- Len Aruliah Quartet, Full Circle (2007)
- Knotty Ensemble, Knotty Bit (2000)
References edit
- ^ a b c "About Peterson-Kohler Collective". Origin Records. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Mitchell, Brian. "Rob Kohler Interview". QRD. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Rob Kohler – Stanford Jazz Workshop
- ^ a b Rob Kohler | Kohler Music
- ^ "This World Album Credits". Discogs. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Eugene Weekly: Music and Clubs Listings
- ^ "Rob Kohler Quartet with Brad Turner". Delta Community Music School. February 22, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ "Halie Loren at Jazz Alley". Jazz Alley. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Stanford jazz camp hits high notes
- ^ "Ladera Music Academy". Archived from the original on May 20, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
- ^ Jacques, Ian (June 25, 2019). "South Delta Jazz Workshop keeping it fresh in 16th year". Delta Optimist. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Kohler Music Press | Where the Kohler's make books
- ^ Hergett, Rachel (December 19, 2014). "Musicians rally for Rob Kohler homecoming show". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ Rob Kohler | Credits | AllMusic