Robert Mwamba the next George BensonRobert Mwamba, when did you get the first spark of inspiration, your musical muse, if you will? Like just about everybody, I've always loved music since my childhood. In my case though, there really wasn't a "Eureka" moment if you will - it was a gradual evolution where the music slowly drew me in. I had so many other safer or more secure options and even people in my own family would ask why I wasting my time in such an insecure line of work, but try as I might, I couldn't escape the music. I was miserable without it. As one great and very wise jazz pianist told me "You don't choose the music - the music chooses you!"
Did your upbringing in Ghana influence the way you view and play music today?
Not really, I wasn't playing music back there. The one thing I must say though is that I come from a large family - there were 8 of us, and everyone had different musical tastes! And my father had a great record collection - so I was exposed early on to Jazz, Country, Pop, Classical, Reggae Latin, Funk, R&B...... etc - which might account for my musical openness & versatility.
You played with pretty big heavies in the music scene, how challenging was that experience? What you learned, what advice can you pass down to a younger musician?
It is both very challenging & liberating at the same time. I've been very privileged to have performed at events for diverse people like The past 2 Secretary Generals of the UN - Ban Ki Moon & Kofi Annan, The British Billionaire and founder of The Virgin Group - Sir Richard Branson, the Oscar Winning Actress - Mira Sorvino, Hip Hop Mogul - Sean "Diddy" combs "All White Party" to name a few. When you are playing with the heavyweights, they set such a high level in their playing, that when you follow them, you can't afford to come up with some weak or lame stuff. The challenge is to maintain that level. If you don’t, they get bored and won't want to work with you. Conversely, if you do, they'll constantly want to work with and support you and that's a great feeling. My advice to younger musicians is to be always ready. Practice, listen - another wise musician told me- "God gave you one mouth & two ears - so you should always listen twice as much as you talk! " , be focused, and don't stop growing.
You come from a business background. How difficult was it to move from structured setting to a more unstructured environment, such as music? I must say there was some degree of difficulty. I spent years in Management & Investments in Corporate America Where everything is pretty much regimented and cut & dried - you got goals to meet, everything is pretty much spelled out in black & white terms, you toe the party line, orders are barked and everybody falls in line. Whereas in music, particularly jazz, its the total opposite, where traits like spontaneity, originality, individuality, uniqueness are highly valued. In the beginning it was a shock to me as I would have some grand plans and would communicate them to other people expecting immediate feedback, but then they respond in their own sweet time or on their schedule, but I remember something the late great Isaac Hayes told me saying " In life you got to be flexible - if you look at a stiff branch on a tree - if a strong wind blows, it will break right away, but if its loose, it will go with the flow of the wind" That's life for you
everything changes - nothing stays the same - I believe the more receptive you are to change, the better yours odds are to be successful in your endeavors
Tell me about educational background. Was there a life-changing moment that opened a door to a different vision? I have a degree in Economics from Bernard Baruch College, CUNY. I also studied at the American Institute of Guitar with the Principal Jazz Instructor - Peter Mazza and privately with the legendary guitarist - Rodney Jones. Like I mentioned my evolution to become a musician was very gradual. To be honest it really wasn't a goal of mine - but l happened to be one of the early victims of the economic recession when they Started downsizing Investment Bankers in 2005 and within 2 weeks of this the Grammy Award Winning Trumpet Player - Wallace Roney asked me to travel with him to Europe as his Tour Manager. I spent a year travelling all over the USA & Europe with Wallace. At the same time I kept getting offers to do my own music. I remember doing a gig in Brooklyn one night and then the legendary Organist Seleno Clarke was dropping me home and on the ride home - he kept urging me to play music fulltime and this really floored me as Seleno is a master musician who not only is very close friends with the master guitarist George Benson, but has played with many of my musical heroes. He told me not to waste a talent God had given me - coming from him, that was really deep for me and really got me thinking about diving into this deep pool and making things happen musically
Who are some of your musical mentors? How did they influence you, and did it take you on different path in music? The legendary guitarist Rodney Jones and bassist Lonnie Plaxico are my musical mentors. They are no finer musicians on their instruments than these two. They are true masters of their craft and art. They epitomize the highest standards of professionalism, groove, swing, musicianship, intelligence - I could go on & on. Plus they're both hilarious & spiritual too.
I also would like to add - even though he's not with us any more - my first musical mentor - the late great bassist - Milt "The Judge" Hinton who embodied all those qualities. These three gentlemen have had a profound influence on me not only musically, but also personally. If I may add, please don't forget to support my upcoming debut CD "Coastin'" which features both my musical mentors Rodney & Lonnie coming out early 2010. Thanks.
