Rob studied early blues and ragtime guitar and then expanded into composing pop music, having his first release on 101 Record. He then moved on to progressive experimental composition, fronted various bands and played on numerous sessions prior to going solo.
Since going solo he has had three albums released under his own name and numerous releases under various pseudonyms experimenting in world, progressive, dance, hi-tech, minimal and ambient.
Rob's first album ‘When the Waters (bring you to me), reached number 4 in the NME instrumental charts receiving critical acclaim in the UK, Canada, North America and Europe. The second album ‘Jacara’ was released ,followed by touring in the UK and Europe, television and radio performances, (including an ‘In Concert Special’ for the BBC and Amnesty International in Athens, Greece).
The third album 'Dance of the Pharises' became the basis for a BBC Radio 4 special and BBC television program!
When the Waters bring you to me
"A guitar wizard, one of the few musicians in Britain specialising in 12 string guitar"
"Rob is a refreshing, versatile and sensitive composer the playing is superb...definitely one to add to your collection" - The Name
"His compositions range from atmospheric melodies to exhilarating virtuoso cadenzas in a refreshing and compelling style"
Jacara
"Rob Parrett's debut album 'When the waters bring you to me' showed a highly dexterous guitarist. 'Jacara' builds on this adding some subtle world beat and jazz influences. The result is music that not only attains his particular giftedness but opens a whole new area of his creativity, and is a further example of his esoteric genius." - John O' Regan Rock & Reel magazine
"The fact that Rob specialises in 12 string guitar on his solo albums sets him apart from his contemporaries in the instrumental world. What marks him out even further is his mastery of the instrument, which has led one commentator to call him a 12 string guitar maestro". - H&SR magazine
"He is a highly dexterous guitarist on 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars and an innovative electric guitarist"
"Worthy of a wider listening audience. Elements of jazz, folk and world music should appeal to many" - Recording Musician
BBC Radio 'In Concert
"Anyone not here tonight should be kicking themselves. Having listened to the concert, in which every track was wonderful, we have decided that instead of having 52 minutes of highlights, we will broadcast the whole concert of 100 minutes split into two separate programmes" - Ashley Franklin, Programme Producer.
Rob created the guise of 'One Cool Fossil' as an experimental vehicle for his cross genre compositions and collaborations with guest musicians, including John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick. Various tracks from the album have been used for television and released on a selection of compilation albums.
The music captures a wide spectrum of passing time, relationships and life with the five part suite 'This Changing World' creating a musical soundscape of the environmental changes in the modern world.
Available as a digital download through most outlets.
Now also available on CD - Cool Fossil Music/ Hit Music Company CFM 010 & 011
One Cool Fossil ‘This Changing World’
"The music captures a wide spectrum of passing time, relationships and life with the five part suite 'This Changing World' creating a musical soundscape of the environmental changes in the modern world."
"A refreshingly original album, that captures a fine balance between technicality, world awareness and humour, integrating a wide selection of musical styles comfortably." - C.J
"A composer and guitarist with a voracious appetite for styles. The effective opening tracks are a North African reverie made up of antique radio drama and moody modern guitar. A classic album of strange angles and atmospheric music"'. - Robert Sandall Radio 3's 'Mixing it'
Under various pseudonyms, Rob has had a vast selection of commercial albums and tracks released by various companies alongside featured artists including the Dream Team, Craig David, So Solid Crew, Fila Brazillia, Jah Wobble, Nitin Sawhney, Moloko, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Tosca and Rinocerose.
