Robert Norton –
Keyboards
www.robertgnorton.com
Robert began playing piano at the age of 8 while at boarding school,
where he developed his unique style of improvisation. Influenced and
inspired by a combination of classical, rock and soul music he
immersed himself in musical creativity.
Robert won a music scholarship to Wellington in ’74 and studied
under Hilary MacNamara at the Purcell School of Music from 1978-9.
In 1984 he completed his education at Trent Park with a degree in
Performing Arts.
In 1997 Robert released his first solo album, “Painting the Ocean”.
Track 2 from this album, ‘By the Seashore’, has millions of hits on
YouTube. In July 2011 Robert released his tenth solo album “Always
Now”.
Robert has improvised healing music at personal development seminars
since 1997, including those run by Dr Robert Holden, leading
psychologist and author.
During the 90s Robert joined Sonja’s band “Cloud 10” and toured the
UK extensively. He was also active in the British Soul scene playing
keyboards for Noel McKoy, leading UK soul singer. He appeared at the
Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scotts, the Purcell Room and the Jazz
Café. Robert also worked with a variety of artists such as Mica
Paris, Omar and Carleen Anderson and appeared on French TV with
China Black, supporting Barry White.
Between 2003-2005 Robert performed many solo concerts in Russia,
including the Roerich and Pushkin Museums in Moscow and the House of
Composers in St Petersburg. In 2005 he was invited by a member of
the State Duma for Udmurtia, to perform at the main theatre in
Izhevsk and facilitate voice and percussion workshops in the local
area.
Robert was invited by Sonja to join Curved Air in 2009. Through
deeply emotive playing and his mastery of sonic atmospheres,
together with years of classical/jazz-funk-soul collaborations and
improvisation, he brings expanded dimensions and possibilities to
the band. |