12.01.2018

Just in time for Christmas!!!


Robert Slap has joined forces with fellow Motown alumni to record a soulful, jazzy version of “The Christmas Song” featuring the smooth vocals of Charles “Buddy” Smith and the melodic harmonica of Larry Minne. ....... We hope you like our interpretation and wish you a very merry Christmas!!!



This record would make a fine stocking stuffer for your family and friends.
The single will also be included on the album "Let's Have A Rockin Christmas Vol. 3" on Bongo Boy Records featuring Holiday music from independent recording artists from around the world. This is also a great package of Christmas music. Support your local and independent musicians worldwide!



REVIEWS:

"The Christmas Song” by Robert Slap feat. Buddy Smith and Larry Minne.  The song’s arrangement fully utilizes the textures and colors of guitar harmony to paint the sentimental feeling of this classic Christmas song. Instrumental effects and rhythmic creativity yield an engaging rendition. Buddy Smith’s vocals compliment the jazzy overtones with a wonderful R & B vibe. Buddy sings with convincing emotion. An improvisational section showcases Larry Minne on harmonica and Robert on lead guitar. “Although it’s been said many times, many ways….” It has never been said, musically, like this - kudos for a truly original version of a classic holiday song.
Bryon William - Please Pass the Indie Magazine 12/19/2018

“The Christmas Song feat. Buddy Smith & Larry Minne” shows off Robert Slap’s spacious arrangements. Nearly dreamy the surreal take adds to the tenderness of the piece. Easily the highlight comes from the intimate setting of the track.
Skope Magazine 12/2018

In terms of challenges, perhaps no veteran artist has put a greater one on himself with his new Christmas release than has one time Tidal Waves bassist, Robert Slap. Long hailed as pioneers of first generation garage rock, the Tidal Waves established a brief but enduring legacy in 1966-1967 with three treasured singles for HBR Records and Jack Chekaway's SVR label, Action (Speaks Louder Than Words), I Don't Need Love and their definitive take on Don And Dewey's often covered Farmer John.
Like fellow first generation garage rock pioneer Robert Lee Balderrama (co-founder and long time lead guitarist for Question Mark And The Mysterians), Slap has expanded his musical vision as of late to include improvisational music. Nonetheless, Slap put himself to the test most remarkably in that respect with his newest release, offering as a CD single yet another rendition of The Christmas Song.
Accompanied by Charles "Buddy" Smith on vocals and Larry Minne on harmonica (with Slap assuming the remainder of the instrumental duties), Slap opted to further confound expectations by playing it relatively straight. While the short term impact may not be immediately apparent, forcing both long term devotees and recent converts to his cause to think outside of the box is certain to reap ongoing dividends.
Michael McDowell - Blitz Magazine 12/2018

CLICK HERE order CD single 

11.17.2018

"Let's Have a Rockin' Christmas Vol 3" goes Global on Bongo Boy



Since 2016 Bongo Boy Records has been releasing the Independent Holiday Music Series featuring Holiday music from independent recording artists from around the world. This year Let's Have A Rockin Christmas Vol. 3 will be released before the Holiday Season. Worldwide on 11.23.18. I have a new recording of "The Christmas Song" included in this collection, featuring the incredible vocals of Charles "Buddy Smith" and the sweet harmonica tones of Larry Minne.

The album will be available on CD: CLICK HERE to buy CD
The single will be available on CD: CLICK HERE to buy CD single
or download from E-music retailers: CLICK HERE to buy online
or stream on Spotify: CLICK HERE to stream




Album Notes:
A diverse collection of Christmas songs that will make this Holiday season more complete for YOU. Including some of your favorite Christmas songs mixed in with great new catchy originals to celebrate this season with 16 Christmas songs. A must have to celebrate this Holiday Season and ring in the New Year with lots of enjoyment and great music by talented award-winning international artists.

11.03.2018

A contemporary version of "The Christmas Song"




R. Slap has joined forces with fellow Motown alumni to record a soulful, jazzy version of “The Christmas Song” featuring the smooth vocals of Charles “Buddy” Smith and the melodic harmonica of Larry Minne. We recorded this in two sessions in my hometown of Detroit. It was quite a challenge to rework this classic tune with a fresh arrangement and instrumentation....... We hope you like our interpretation and wish you a very merry Christmas!!! 



  

World Music Volume on 61st Grammy Ballot


World Music Volume 1 is now on the voting ballot for best album in the "World Music" category for the 61st Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in February 2019. I have one tune "Aspara" on this compilation as well as other tunes from incredible artists from all over the Globe. This is the third album I have released through Bongo Boy Records. Congrats team !!! Listen Here:




3.24.2018

World Music Volume I released on Bongo Boy Records


I am very pleased to be included on this new album "World Music Volume 1", released through Bongo Boy Records. "Aspara" is an instrumental and will be featured along with selections from other global artists. The music on this record represents genres from all over the world and I am very happy to be in the company of such diverse talent. I originally wrote this piece for the documentary "TAKEMUSU AIKI" which dealt with the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba  master and founder of the school of Aikido. This new version is a new arrangement and remix from the original soundtrack recordings. "Aspara" roughly translates to "Angel Dance", and I got the idea from watching the traditional dances of the Indochina region. The song is smooth and flowing, but with tempo, much like the style of Aikido created by Morihei Ueshiba.
I hope you enjoy !!!!   Listen on Sound Cloud


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