About Rob

Rob Tobias is a contemporary singer/songwriter and recording artist. Influenced by folk, blues, reggae, country, and Jewish roots music, Rob Tobias has his own stamp of originality that is both familiar and distinctive. Some of his music has been described as "Jewish Americana."

Rob Tobias first CD, "Constant Rain" was released in 1994. It features several swing blues tunes as well as a small choir singing backup on some of the songs. 

"Bagel Roots & Water Dogs" was released in 1998, with more of an acoustic folk sound but also exploring a variety of styles including swing blues, reggae, and rock. 

"Sparks" was released in 2000 and lyrically reflects an interest in Jewish renewal and a song cycle inspired by Jewish celebrations. 

"World in the World", released in 2003, features Rob's collaboration with an extraordinary flute player named Maxxine.  Exploring themes of peace, justice, and Jewish roots the CD is uplifting and harmonious. Tobias and Friends move into the World music genre using tablas and sitar on one song and a full on reggae dub section on another.

The latest CD, "By The River (Renewing The Jewish Spirit)," also features Maxxine on flute and includes songs inspired by a trip to Israel that she and Rob went on. The music comes from the world of Jewish renewal and has been described as Jewish Americana.

Rob Tobias has performed at national conferences such as CAJE (Coalition for Alternatives in Jewish Education) and the Kallah and has also played harmonica with Peter Himmelman on one of his Eugene concerts.

Rob Tobias and Friends perform at clubs, bookstores, Jewish celebrations, and festivals such as Northwest Folklife (Seattle), The Willamette Valley Folk Festival (Eugene), and The Oregon Country Fair (Veneta).

Rob is also a member of Emerald Valley Playback Theatre.  Playback is a form of improvisational theatre in which actors and a musician "playback" true life stories told by audience members.