Bio

Robert Harper is an American Bassist, Rapper, Songwriter, and Composer. Robert first gained notoriety from associations with funk bass legends Louis Johnson (1998) and Robert Wilson (2005). His musical friends/peers who lived near and/or frequented his neighborhood in Carson, California during his adolescent years were Chuckii Booker (Lionel Richie, Janet Jackson, TLC, Troop), Brothers Louis & Terence Thomas (Barry White), Bendrix Williams (Teena Marie / Ice-T), Wilton Felder Jr. (son of Wilton Felder Sr. of the jazz group-The Crusaders), and Brian O'Neal (The Bus Boys). Later, such young R&B acts as The Boys, and Brandy & Ray J would also follow as residents in this rich musical community of young aspiring artists. Robert started playing bass at the age of 13 and during his adolescent years he performed in all of his school and local community park talent shows. By the age of 17 he was proficient enough on the bass guitar to start playing professionally at the local night clubs (though he was under the legal age requirement for entrance) and upon graduating from high school he furthered his studies at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California which after his departure he started working regularly as a professional session musician.
 

Robert uses an array of electronic effects to shape his bass sound, when most bass players shy away from the use of multiple effects....Robert has willingly over the years honed the use of bass effect pedals to a work of art....not masking the traditional sound of the bass guitar, but to express a colorful subtle effect that doesn't distract from the overall timbre and fluidity of the musical composition / performance at any given moment. Additionally, Robert learned how to master the use of multiple effect pedals from the profound teachings of legendary rock bassist "Tim Bogart" of the band "Vanilla Fudge" while Robert was still a student at the Musicians Institute. Robert is also a very prolific songwriter who continues to record and showcase his songwriting abilities coupled with musical compositions to the general public. Robert Harper's latest Album is titled "The Fonk Record" (J.Productions). Robert's Music has been embraced by Legendary Funk Music Icons such as the late Louis Johnson, Robert Wilson, and currently Bootsy Collins, Garrett Shider, & Greg Boyer from the P-Funk lineage of musicians.
 

When time permits Mr.Harper has a deep-rooted compassion to lend his experience, skills, and abilities to instruct young and upcoming bass guitar students on the do's and don'ts of the music business...along with the concepts of music theory and sight-reading through private instruction. Some of Robert's past music instructors personally for himself include: Louis Johnson, Bunny Brunel, and Oskar Cartaya.....Robert was once also hired by funk bass legend Louis Johnson in the funk band "Eveready" which was a backup band to accompany Louis Johnson whenever he decided to perform any of the numerous Gold and Platinum "Brothers Johnson" hits, and Robert Harper was also fortunate to play bass side by side with yet another legendary funk bassist by the name of Robert Wilson from the "Gap Band" fame who actually doubled on drums while Robert Harper handled the bass duties, the two had a special bond of friendship outside of the music business. 

 
Robert has shared the stage with former Disney Mouseketeer, Actress, and Christian Soul Vocal Artist "Raquel Herring" , and he also took on the duty as "musical director" for the short lived cable TV variety show titled "In The House" (Downey Cable Network) where he gained a wealth of knowledge performing in front of television studio cameras in conjunction with a live studio audience. Robert played bass for local R&B crooners the "California Executives" who were based out of San Diego, California performing all over the state of California and Las Vegas, Nevada until his departure due to a disagreement regarding a frivolous recording contract.....In 2012 Robert  reemerged as a solo recording artist to rave reviews and has a continued plan for more of his music to be recorded in the future. Currently as a session bassist Robert stays busy laying down the low-end for numerous bands throughout Southern California and the great state of Maryland where he now resides, and he also self-produces photo ads and product videos for musical instrument manufacturers demonstrating various music products to the general public via social media. Robert Harper's LP titled "Nujazzfunk" which has received  worldwide distribution from the likes of Rapper Jay-Z's Tidal, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Shazam, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Napster, iHeart Radio, Deezer, and a list of others debuted in 2012 and was self produced. In 2020 Robert released another full-length album titled "Ride With Me" which breaks ground as being one of the few instrumental hip/hop solo recordings by a bassist on record. Today Robert has added another dimension to his performance status with his all acoustic band "Robert Harper & Friends" which performs at selected events across the United States...In 2021 Robert released yet another full-length album titled "The Fonk Record" honoring the legendary pioneers of funk music. Today Robert continues his quest in the studio and has released a single titled "Tha Bomb" that is currently receiving airplay on radio stations in the US and around the world. Tha Bomb - Official Music Video includes special guests; Garrett Shider (Parliament-Funkadelic / Solo Artist), Greg Boyer (Prince / Maceo Parker / Parliament) and a host of other top marquee players from the state of Maryland (USA).
 
Robert Harper's latest release is a single titled "Bounce With Me" featuring Greg Boyer (Parliament/Funkadelic, Prince, Maceo Parker) and is now available on all online music outlets!
 
Robert's funky style, high visibility, and energetic personality have also garnered him endorsements from various musical instrument manufacturers such as: Paul Lairat Basses, GR Bass Amplification, Gallistrings, Magrabo Guitar Straps, Flattley Guitar Pedals, Rigotti Cables, Telefunken Elektroakustik Microphones, D&A Guitar Gear, Fishman Tuners, and Reunion Blues Gigbags….Robert frequently travels to Anaheim, California to perform for his many sponsors at the NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants) which is one of the world's largest music trade shows in existence today. Robert is also an active member of The Recording Academy (D.C .Chapter). Besides Robert being a solo recording artist, he's also a session bassist who lends his funky bass playing to other fellow recording artists & bands throughout the East Coast DMV areas.
                             
Robert Harper currently resides in Waldorf, Maryland.
PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN (5 STRING) ELECTRIC & ACOUSTIC BASS GUITARS / (4 STRING) ELECTRIC UPRIGHT BASS
Live performances, recording, videos, clinics, touring.

 

 

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