Two for the Road Jazz Duo from Pasadena, CA

Guitar duo "Two for the Road" specializes in classic jazz, American songbook classics, and classic rock and Beatles favorites, arranged for two guitars -- perfect for weddings and private parties where a quiet, up-scale ambiance is desired. Guitar virtuoso Bob Robles and his partner, Barry Coates will delight listeners with their extraordinary musicianship and jazz improvisation. * * * * * * One of the best guitar players to ever emerge from the fertile music scene of East Los Angeles, renowned virtuoso Bob Robles began his professional career as a young teenager playing with Elvis Presley in the film, “Change of Habit.” Bob currently plays regularly with East L.A.'s legendary band, Thee Midniters. Bob is master of many styles, including jazz. As a very young guitarist, he earned the respect of the area's veteran musicians for adapting Charlie Parker and John Coltrane solos to guitar. These included pieces such as Coltrane's “Giant Steps.” He is a sought after player in the L.A. area and works on a diverse number of projects, including on-line recording. He has also recorded and/or played with other notable artists, such as Airto and Flora Purim on their Grammy nominated album, “Touching You, Touching Me;” Alphonso Johnson, George Duke, and Herb Alpert; Steve Smith and Ross Vallory of Journey; Indian pop star, K.J. Jesudas on his album “Ahimsa” with Alex Acuña; Americana artist Jerry Giddens, with Dave Alvin of The Blasters; Jackie DeShannon's “You Know Me” album; and Clare Muldaur's “Sweetheart” album. Bob has played live shows with Jackson Browne, Alanis Morissette, Lyle Lovett, El Chicano, Ry Cooder, Greg Allman, Jack Bruce, The Jordanaires, Shirley Jones, Natalie Cole, and Reba McEntire. Bob has a strong musical lineage. His father was well known 50's singer/songwriter “Lalo” Robles. As a Warner Brothers contract artist, the elder Robles appeared on many TV Shows and movies of the era including: “Rio Bravo,” with John Wayne; “East of Eden,” with James Dean; “Pillow Talk,” with Rock Hudson and Doris Day; and numerous television shows. * * * * * * With his melodic, expressive approach, guitarist and synthesizer player Barry Coates has evolved into an highly sought after session player. His resume includes tours with the Pointer Sisters, Angela Bofill, Willie Bobo, John Klemmer, and Engelbert Humperdink. As a band member with the Japanese keyboardist/composer, Kitaros, he toured the world twice and was featured on the live album, “Live in America.” Barry has fared equally well on his own. His music was features in such films as “Dead Bang,” “Partners in Crime,” and “Fatal Attraction,” and on television shows, including “Two on the Town,” “Eye on Hollywood,” “Partners in Crime,” the Weather Channel, and Playboy After Dark. Together with his band Barry Coates & The Hats, Barry recorded two impressive albums – “Because I Love You” and “Move Like A Dancer,” featuring saxophone player Bob Sheppard. He collaborated, on his third album, “The Spirit Within,” with bass player Jimmy Haslip of the Yellowjackets. Born in Oakland, California, and raised in El Cerrito and San Rafael, Barry first attracted attention when he performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival with the California All-Star High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Oliver Nelson. After studying with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, through a full scholarship, he attended the College of Marin (Sons of Chaplin) before transferring to North Texas State University, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Music.