Inspired by listening to blues and jazz, Robbert Trice first picked up a harmonica in his teen years to try and reproduce the Chicago blues harp sound.  Soon after, although continuing to be inspired by music, but not by the prospect of higher education, Robbert tried his hand at a number of occupations:  tree planter, chimney sweep, picture framer, actor, painter, percussionist, to name a few.  After the advent of a wonderful and loving family, Robbert’s aim to study music resurfaced and the harmonica became his central focus.

Although largely self – taught, Robbert has, at various times, studied with harmonica wizards Howard Levy, Mark Hummel, David Barrett, and Winslow Yerxa, and jazz bassist, Bill Douglass.  He has worked with international artist, writer and musician, E.J. Gold, as well as Canadian folksinger, Parker Dickson, and New York rocker, Jimmi Accardi , and has had the pleasure of interviewing jazz luminaries, Wynton Marsalis and Toots Thielemans.

He also credits his band mates in inya eeya! with a wonderful ongoing musical education.

“I see inya eeya! as a musical laboratory, a vehicle in which we work as collaborators on our craft with the intention of co – creating and sharing a heightened musical experience.  And we have a lot of fun doing it.

I think that’s why our audiences have a good time with our music.  It’s energetic, eclectic and engaging, and we are having fun playing together.  We leave a lot of room for improvising and surprise.  We not only surprise the audience, we often surprise ourselves.”

You can find Robbert at: www.rctrice.com

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