His past projects include work with Ustad Salamat Ali Kahn, Sachiko, and Titos Sompa. Through his work with Amnesty International he has produced and recorded with many artists including Peter Gabriel, John Lee Hooker and Jackson Browne.
Robert currently performs with a variety of San Francisco based bands and produces artists in his home recording studio. He lives in Fairfax, California with his wife.
'When I first heard of this release I was intrigued because it
features pedal steel guitar in a format known as New Age. If it
sounds a tad weird, trust me: it works and works well. Mr. Powell
handles all the guitar chores (which include acoustic and electric,
resonator, 12-string and Hawaiian), as well as bass and the occasional
keyboard. He is joined by several talented session players, including
Michael Pluznick, who handles the percussive end of things as only
he can. If you enjoy good guitar-based instrumental music, I strongly
recommend you check out this disc - it's easy to take and soothing
after a hectic day.' (9.5-performance/9-sound quality)
— Lucky Clark Compact Disc-ussions,
Central Maine Morning Centinal
"One of the most refreshing new guitar albums we have ever
heard. The pedal steel work is extraordinary"
— Frank Forest, Program Director Musical Starstreams
Nationally
Syndicated Radio Show Musical Starstreams
Powell's pedal steel guitar phrasing will be relished by anyone
who ever got excited by the country-rock bands of the early 70's
. The songs are longish, but once you get involved in the mellow
groove that he establishes, you are in no hurry for them to end.
I know this album knocked me out.
— Richard Price - It's Hip Magazine
Desert Beach calls to mind visions of palm trees, sparkling oceans,
and relaxing sunny days. It's an interesting combination of pedal
steel guitar, acoustic and electric guitars, percussion, and bass,
with touches of background synthesizers. What gives it it's distinctive
touch is the creative use of pedal steel guitar, as it romps through
a wide variety of musical styles. Desert Beach offers a potpourri
of Hawaiian, world music, and country rock with elements of space
music. This is definitely a new and interesting use of pedal steel
guitar! You'll find that this recording blends nicely into the
New Age easy listening category and should easily bridge to the
mainstream audience. Favorite tracks are 'Rhythm Congress' and
'Shadows.’
Robert Powell is a musician with a track record, having performed
with Opafire, Titos Sompa and Chris Hedge, Jim Chappell, Jordan
De La Sierra, Barry Cleveland, as well as numerous rock, worldbeat,
and country artists. It's this diverse experience that is clearly
revealed in this recording. This is a quality recording with professional
packaging.
— New Age Retailer
"Robert Powell is a talented guitarist whose playing has
grace several of the past year's more interesting albums by artists
as diverse as Opafire, Barry Cleveland, JIm Cappell and Michael
Pluznick. On tunes ranging from the upbeat countrified rock of
'Truckstop Mirage' to the languid cruise of 'Pony Owens,' the pedal
steel soars and glides, creating elegant washes of sound. World
music touches abound, thanks in part to Michael Pluznik whose atmospheric
percussion illuminates three tracks, notably the aptly named 'Rhythm
Congress' where, using African talking drums and angklung rattles,
Michael sets a densely charged field of rhythm as a foundation
for Robert's multi-tracked electric guitars. Drums and bass, both
played by co-producer Dave Burn, complement Robert's guitar orchestra,
with occasional background synthesizer, and, on one track, Venezuelan
harp by Diana Stork of the group Geist. Desert Beach is a most
auspicious, as well as enjoyable, debut release."
— Heartbeats / Backroads
