Performing with the Pousette-Dart Band
Robert Van is a pianist/composer who relocated to Thousand Oaks from Boston. While on the East Coast, Robert played with many different musicians including Livingston Taylor, Jonathan Edwards (‘Sunshine’), the Pousette-Dart Band, Andy Pratt (‘Avenging Annie’), the Platters, G Clefs, Patti Larkin, and Esther Phillips.
The Rhythm Method
More recently, he has played with the Estrada Brothers, Rocco Prestia, Bruce Conte, and Hubert Tubbs of Tower of Power, Chris Montez (‘Call Me’), Cougar Estrada (Los Lobos), John Marx and the Blues Patrol, Floyd and the Fly Boys, and other local musicians. Robert has composed and recorded music for the National Geographic Society, documentary films, and jingles. His music was used on Saturday Night Live.
The Hub Jazz Ensemble
Robert blends rhythm and blues with jazz improvising to create music with a soulful groove. Some influences are Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Dr. John, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Otis Spann, and McCoy Tyner to name a few. Robert studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and also privately with Charlie Banacos.
The Open Wheat Band