A plausible synonym for versatility could well be Robert Kyle. Born, raised, and working in Los Angeles, Kyle is adept at a variety of jazz modes and his performing retains its high level, irrespective of the style he is asked to play. One reason for his adroitness is that he comes from a family of music lovers and he was exposed to this art early in his life. His first playing experiences were in rock & roll bands in junior high school, playing drums, and playing in local clubs throughout his teens. Upon entering, he switched to saxophone and studied with some of the leading practitioners of that instrument, including Lanny Morgan, Plas Johnson, Herb Geller, and his current teacher Phil Sobel. His playing has also been influenced by those with whom he has recorded with as a sideman, especially blues, R&B artist Linda Hopkins. He served as Hopkins' musical director for ten years and cites her as a major influence on his development as a mature, talented sax player. He has also recorded with bluesman Lou Rawls, straight-ahead jazz vocalist Toni Jannotta, and a variety of rock groups. In 1996, he formed his own label, Dark Delishious Music, and issued his first album that same year. His four albums as a leader mirror this potpourri of teaching and performing influences. Ranging from a solo album, a cappella sax which is a true tour de force, to one dedicated to Brazilian Music, Kyle's work offers a wide set of jazz idioms, including R&B and the blues. Three of his albums also display his significant compositional skills. Along with his regular working band, Kyle frequently performed at L.A. area clubs and festivals, including the Playboy Jazz Festival, the 94.7 FM Wave Concert Series, Jazz on the Green Festival, the Whittier Uptown Festival, the Baked Potato, Chadney's, Jax, and others. ~ Dave Nathan, Rovi