Music lovers will agree that when you hear of the band Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra, you can picture one vivid image in mind – that of an evening time by a wayside snack bar and a campfire with the band playing good ol’ country and blues music against the sunset backdrop into the night. That’s exactly the kind of transportation the band likes to take its listeners through with each performance.
Here in the city’s Windmills Craftworks to deliver a captivating concert of ‘North Eastern’ swing, Hokum blues, hot jazz, Western swing and country recently, the band rendered two evenings of music that will remain memorable for those who experienced their easy melodic transportations.
Featuring Rob Heron on guitar and vocals, Tom Cronin on mandolin and harmonica, Colin Nicholson on accordion, Ben Fitzgerald on guitar and Ted Harbot on double bass, the hot six-piece band plays an eclectic arrangement of Western swing, blues, gypsy jazz and country that they collectively call ‘North Eastern Swing’.
“We are largely inspired by early 20th Century American music and we blend the sounds of the golden age of music with the modern era of soundscapes,” explains Rob.
A big fan of country music and a full time dandy-cowboy, Rob’s songs are known to be full of character, satire, and good old fashion hollerin’.
Absolutely excited about playing in India, Rob points out that “It’s the first time for all of us. It’s a shame we are not here for long. The audience is appreciative and we are having a great time. At this rate, we hope to be back here soon.” Rob has a soft spot for Indian music. “Especially Bollywood! I’m a big fan of all of it. I also love Indian Classical and Rajasthani folk music. We are definitely open to an Indian collaboration. We would love to have one of the folk or classical artistes team up with us and see how we can work together.”
Recalling how his musical journey began, Rob believes “before I could even remember, my mother and father were taking me into the world of music.
Their music collection with Bob Dylan and a whole range of other musicians brought me up. As a kid I knew I wanted to be a musician.”
The inspiration from early American music and country blues came naturally, he points out. “It’s musically sound. I usually sit down to write a song when I’m inspired by something around me. It’s a very personal approach. I take that raw idea to the rest of the band and we work on it together.”
He adds that they would like their audience to have a good time at the end of the day. “A lot of our lyrics and music is cheerful. People tell us we make them feel like dancing. If that’s what it makes you do, go for it!”
Looking ahead, they plan to tour a lot. With two successful albums under their belt, they are on the verge of releasing their next one. “We’ve recorded the next album and will be launching it in 2016. It sounds a bit different from our previous work. People will just have to wait and find out how it sounds,” says Rob.
