8.27.2017

Ain't no cure for them summertime blues!!!!

Summer is the time to get out and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of lower Michigan. I have been performing at a few festivals with the Cadillac Phoenix Blues Band and just love playing outside and getting to travel to my home town and visit friends !!!!

Live at the Memphis Blues festival 08.05.2017
Cadillac Phoenix Blues Band
Kudos to the group for inviting me to sit in, Gary Robert Frederick, Clare Wall Frederick,  Dale Ryngaert, and Ken Parker. 
I don't get to play the blues much anymore, but some things you just never forget!!!
It is always great to meet new faces and have people come down and listen to the music..... it is what I have been doing for the last 50+ years and I'm so grateful to still be able to share my music with all of you...... next performance is on Sunday 09.03.17 at 4:45 PM at the Blue Chili Grass Festival in Goodells, MI




5.03.2017

Escape The Mind Released 05.02.1207 Bongo Boy Records

I have 2 tunes on this new Bongo Boy release, "Healing Temple" and "Sahara" The album will feature an incredible group of artists, each with their own unique sound. I hope you will give us all a listen!!!!

Healing Temple:  
An ethereal, musical exploration into ancient healing techniques used on Atlantis during the enlightened period. The Elders (aka; the healers) were telepathically connected, with advanced healing powers using color, light, sound and vibrations, mentally focusing their power through crystals. The Healing Temple was the spiritual center of Atlantis, and it is believed the “OM” (highest spiritual sound of the universe) was first heard here.

Sahara
This tune conjures up images of journeying across the desert in a caravan, searching for that hidden oasis across the vast expanse of the Sahara.


What the Critics are saying:

NEW AGE music is often instrumental in nature, incorporating elements of electronica and non-Western instrumentation. It is characterized by the light melodic harmonies and sounds reproduced from the natural world. It is intended to promote serenity, create artistic inspiration, and relaxation. Used by listeners for yoga massage, and meditation, it is often associated with environmentalism and New Age spirituality.
Starting things on a blissful tone is the radiant hues of Robert Slap’s “Healing Temple”. With such tenderness, the way the song unfolds gives it a naturalistic feeling. Completely wordless, the song represents a neat intersection between the electronic and the acoustic.
A distinctly 80's neon enters the sound on Robert Slap’s laid-back “Sahara”. With many layers working in unison the song teems with life. Synthesizer is used with the utmost of grace as the song takes on a distinctly beachy approach.
SKOPE Magazine - 05.01.2017
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"Sun kissed and sweltering in the heat, we make our way to the global bop of Sahara. This track has a real world music feel to it, but a sense of cross genres, once more the tempo is quick, but while the percussion adds the rhythm, the keyboards create an almost calming oasis of sound, this is one really delightful
track to enjoy and was a pleasure to listen to, I adore the smooth Jazz genre, but here Robert Slap crossed boundaries to make something good, brilliant, by adding the global world feel, and mixing in a little new age magic, sheer genius.
Let us now relax within the realm of the Healing Temple. This was one of my favorite compositions, a real sense of ambiance can be found here, but in this superb composition, the slight change and usage of vocals carries us into an almost mystical journey of inner peace, using just about every trick in the book, hand claps, crescendos and some wonderful percussion, partnered with some very classy synths and then a hint of electric guitar, you not only have something quite clever, but almost in arrangement bordering on soft progressive rock track, a truly brilliant piece indeed. I would recommend this album any day of the week; you cannot get enough of music of this quality into your collection.
Steve Sheppard - One World Music
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"One of the many things I like about Robert’s music is the way he adds dashes of world music influences into his jazzy compositions – just enough to provide a bit of exotic flavor without it trying to be an authentic indigenous sound. A few examples are “Sahara,” whose inspiration can be guessed from the title. I loved the intertwining roots of Robert’s guitar styles, which incorporated jazz, rock, fusion, ambient electronic, and world music. And I was as impressed with Robert’s flair for composition and arranging, as I was with his impeccable guitar playing.
According to Robert, the subject of a song called “Healing Temple” is described as, “the spiritual center of Atlantis, and it is believed the “OM” (highest spiritual sound of the universe) was first heard here.  This is one of the longer pieces on the album and I liked the way it flowed through various movements. It also featured something I had been waiting for – a taste of Robert’s exquisite guitar work, which he has been well known for over the years. His tasteful acoustic guitar lead was the highlight of the song for me.
Michael Diamond - Music and Media Focus
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Robert Slap is a perfect melodist. The compositions of the album are listened to in one breath. This project of the artist is a perfect example of that new age music which conquered the whole world. His electronic keyboards are filled with various nuances, and aerial voices are delicately coloring the palette of the album.
One important feature of the music of Robert Slap is that it has an inner power and a great passion. It immediately arouses an emotional response from the listener because these tunes come from the depths of the artist’s heart.
Serge Kozlovsky
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The biggest draw for me is the piece that pulled me back in, “Healing Temple.” It slips in on a bass drone and echoing, crystalline tones. Acoustic guitar and flute take the forefront; the flute here is snaky and lithe. Midway through, Slap lays down a guitar solo against a slow-moving backdrop of pads and sharp percussion. I honestly wish more of this style of playing had found its way into the mix.
John Shanahan -  Hypnagogue 

3.14.2017

Live at Kulak's - A tribute to Iggy on his Grammy Nomination



While in LA for Grammy week, I wanted to pay homage to a fellow Detroiter........ Iggy Pop has been making music for as long I have and his latest album "Post Pop Depression" received a Grammy Nomination and Topped the Billboard Charts. It was only fitting to pull an early Stooges tune and give it my own interpretation....... Congrats, Jim !!!!!

a couple of pix from LA, circa 1973..... blondes  have more fun!!!!!!!

IGGY
Slappy

2.21.2017

Slap's blues rocker "Modern Medicine" released on Bongo Boy Records!!!


The Blues is coming to you with Bongo Boy RecordsBackroom Blues Volume Four Release Date 2.21.17 | 13 Hot Smokin Blues tracks on one Cool album(cd) on Bongo Boy Records Bongo Boy Records Asia Bongo Boy Universal Music Group 
1. Jim Labos - The Blues Will Never Die 4:51
2. Devin Leigh - Searching For The Truth 3:02
3. BUCK69 - Dead End Road 4:02
4. Mike Gallemore - Ride That Train 4:13
5. Greg Guba - Way Past Blues 3:49
6. Big Bone Daddy - Got It 3:25
7. Jon Montgomery and The Exile Blues Band - I Ain't Got Nobody 4:53
8. Plainfield Slim - I Found A Woman 3:03
9. Robert Slap - Modern Medicine 3:30
10. Big Bone Daddy - Down Low 2:44
11. The Dana Gaynor Band - Tip My Hat To The Maker 2:40
12. Wood Shampoo - I Love You Mummy 3:16
13. Vin Matteo - Your Spell 5:12




Music Review: 

Robert Slap's "Modern Medicine" takes on a good-nature jazzy sound. Guitar work is quite impressive showing off a great dexterity. Best of all are the small flourishes, from the saxophone to the low-slung bass. Skopemag.com - FEB 2017

Now Available HERE: and all online outlets.
I'm just another case, of modern medicine


1.27.2017

Bongo Boy Records and Slap join forces to Escape the Mind !!!


I have just signed with Bongo Boy Records to release my tune "Sahara" on their New Age Compilation album "Escape the Mind", which will be released worldwide in the Spring of 2017.  I am very excited to be joining this label. The album will feature an incredible group of artists, each with their own unique sound.


This tune conjures up images of journeying across the desert in a caravan, searching for that hidden oasis across the vast expanse of the Sahara. Listen on soundcloud-robert-slap/sahara.  On this recording, I play guitars, guitar-synth, bass, keyboard and percussion. I am always trying to capture the sounds in my head, and this one worked really well for me.

REVIEWS:

"Sun kissed and sweltering in the heat, we make our way to the global bop of Sahara. This track has a real world music feel to it, but a sense of cross genres, once more the tempo is quick, but while the percussion adds the rhythm, the keyboards create an almost calming oasis of sound, this is one really delightful
track to enjoy and was a pleasure to listen to, I adore the smooth Jazz genre, but here Robert Slap crossed boundaries to make something good, brilliant, by adding the global world feel, and mixing in a little new age magic, sheer genius. I would recommend this album any day of the week; you cannot get enough of music of this quality into your collection.
Steve Sheppard - One World Music

"One of the many things I like about Robert’s music is the way he adds dashes of world music influences into his jazzy compositions – just enough to provide a bit of exotic flavor without it trying to be an authentic indigenous sound. A few examples are “Sahara,” whose inspiration can be guessed from the title. I loved the intertwining roots of Robert’s guitar styles, which incorporated jazz, rock, fusion, ambient electronic, and world music. And I was as impressed with Robert’s flair for composition and arranging, as I was with his impeccable guitar playing.
Michael Diamond - Music and Media Focus

Robert, your music ... intricate poly-rhythms, layers upon layers of not just the norm of piano, guitar but tribal...then I hear a wooden flute creating such a peaceful mental place. I guess what I am trying to say is, this is not music as most of us have been trained by the world. It's, in my opinion an experience...
Rick Wearing - Jazz Drummer



1.05.2017

The Soiree in Los Angeles 02.10.2017


Greetings in the New Year !!!! I am honored to be a guest performer at the 2017 Soiree this year, along with an incredible roster of Grammy winners and nominees......
Lateral Movement '17
The Soiree is a great event to attend, network, and share the trials and tribulations of the music business with fellow artists. Bray Ghiglia will also be joining me onstage adding guitar and flute along with jazz saxophonist Suzanne Grzanna, and the great Latin percussionist, Ernesto Valenzuela. My new group project "Lateral Movement '17" will be be performing as a 7 piece band with the addition of drums, bass and keyboards. I have a new tune "Cook da' Gravy" which we will be showcasing and shooting a live video. I hope to have this released on record later in the year.


Bray
Bobby


Suzanne
Ernesto Valenzuela
With a career spanning more than 50 years of playing, recording and writing music, I am thrilled to still be here and share my music with friends up on the stage. Tickets are available click here for those in Los Angeles for the Grammy show. You won't want to miss this show, it gives us all a chance to let it all hang out !

HMMA Award Show 11.17.2016
See you next year !!!!

Slap & Company kicking off the year at Kulak's Woodshed with the Indie Collaborative !!!




I will be in Los Angeles in February for Grammy Week again, and pleased to announce I will be performing with my new group project, "Lateral Movement '17",  along with flutist Bray Ghiglia and percussionist Dale Edward  at Kulak's on Feb 9 ...... the show is sold out but will streamed live at www.concertwindow.com/indiecollaborative... We will be doing something with guitar and flute, so please join us on-line if you get a chance!!!!

Bray & Bob at the HMMA Awards Show 11.17.2016