Robert had a wide-ranging taste in music, had been the drummer in Funboy Five and could also play the piano and guitar. Here’s some of the music he liked with comments from Mike Wood of Funboy Five…
From Mike Wood:
My musical knowledge and understanding was pretty limited but was considerably broadened by knowing Robert. I would say he took a kindly interest in educating me!
The following tracks are ones I associate with Robert in the time I knew him well – so there are no tracks later than about 1998. His taste and knowledge of music was massively wider – these are some that I remember. I often think of him when I’m listening to music and when trying to play it. He was always interested in new music and I imagine everyone who knew Robert would associate different music with him.
I’ve included Sonny Rollins East Broadway Rundown because Mick told me he wrote the Radmall Rundown in Robert’s memory based on it.
I remember Robert telling me that he didn’t like rock and rock’n’roll saxophone, but did like jazz sax playing. I was completely ignorant of jazz but I did like King Curtis with the Coasters.
I’ve included part of an interview with Little Richard that I came across a few years ago on Youtube that made me think of Robert: I wondered if he had seen it – I think it would have made him laugh at the way Little Richard is playing with the interviewer.
( The following playlist may take a few moments to load…)
Robert gave me a tape of this album by Jaco Pastorius.
Robert wanted us to play Cold sweat and we did mangle it!
Robert as a massive Bob Dylan fan and this was one of his favourite tracks.
Another song Robert wanted us to attempt! But I don’t think we did.
Robert’s drumming was the most professional sounding part, but he used to lock in with Ian’s rhythm guitar.
All I remember about this is that Robert really liked it when it came out.
We used to play this song, although it wasn’t written by Hank Williams, I found out afterwards. I associate Country music with Robert.
Robert liked Elvis Costello and I remember he liked this one.
Robert recorded the whole album this came from for me.
I remember talking to Robert about this track. He liked it.
Not part of my experience but suggested by Mick telling me about it
As musical educator, Robert gave me a tape of Dave Brubeck with Take 5 on – Mike Wood.
I shot many photography sessions in Holborn Studios in London with Robert. He once brought along a video cassette of Dave Brubeck’s Take Five in which Joe Morello plays a fantastic drum break which Brubeck just sits back to enjoy. They played it on a big screen in the reception area to his delight – Tom Langford.
I think Robert felt people ridiculed Dolly Parton unfairly and didn’t appreciate her songs. Although he did laugh and say she managed to look younger every year.
When Robert found out about Clive Gregson and Christine Collister he persuaded us all to go to see them live at the South Bank and give me a tape of the album. This clip might be from the same tour.
Robert liked Prince and Sheila E.
This clip made me think of Robert: I think the way Richard is playing with the interviewer would have made him laugh!
If you would like to add your remembrances or pictures of Robert to this website, please email them to Tom: [email protected]