Contributing Editor of Miami New Times Abel Folgar recently ranked FIU jazz musician Robert “Be Bop” Grabowski” as #3 on his “Miami’s Top Ten Jazz Musicians” list. According to Folgar, “South Florida used to be a jazz mecca. These musicians helped ensure that distinction.”
Robert “Be-Bob” Grabowski is a bassist, composer, educator, and jazz radio personality and has been an Adjunct Professor in Jazz Studies at Florida International University School of Music for the last twenty one years. Active as a bassist in the Miami jazz scene, he has also produced major concerts and festivals for both academic and public venues.
He has composed a large amount of music, resulting in his first solo efforts, The Bob Grabowski Group, Gecko Island, Darwin’s Dance, Midnight Samba, and Deepest Blue, as well as playing on many other’s recordings. A sixth CD of his work is underway and as part of the Absinthe Trio, he released the Absinthe Trio “Live” CD in January 2006. He finished the Fifth Edition of his textbook, “The Evolution Of Jazz” and was a Jazz Educator in residence at the Larry Rosen Jazz Roots Concert Series at the Arsht Center. He is also an avid diver and underwater art photographer and opened his new gallery space in Miami in February 2011.
Others musicians listed include:
1. Arturo Sandoval
2. Robert Thomas Jr.
3. Bob Grabowski
4. Billy Rolle
5. Melton Mustafa
6. Jesse Jones Jr.
7. Don Wilner
8. William T. Peeples
9. Ira Sullivan
10. Pete Minger
To read the Miami New Times article, click here.
