Robert was out on the early 70's Chicago jazz-blues-jam-rock scene as a guitarist. At the feet of groups like the Pharaohs, and hanging around the early AACM, he played with a number of local acts, such as Empty Hand, the Omega project and Absolute Zero. Several of his early contemporaries went on to prominence including recording and performing artist, pianist Calvin "koko" Brunson, music director for Oscar Brown, Jr., Curtis Robertson, bassist and jazz guitarist. topbop! has toured on guitar with soul legend Otis Clay. He has studied bass with Bill "Buddha" Dickens. He has performed on bass with the Metropolis Youth Symphony Orchestra, Aswah Greggori & The Enforcers, Blue Rage and others...