Biography
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
Rob has taken on many roles in his musical life: student, teacher, producer, arranger, musical director, tour manager, presenter - but the one he prefers is performer.
In the beginning…
Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Rob Fahie’s first professional gig was performing in the gazebo between acts at the Ottawa Jazz Festival. He was 16 years old. After high school, he attended McGill University in Montreal, completing his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance with High Distinction in 2001. He then received a full scholarship to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder, completing two Master of Music degrees: Classical Bass Performance and Jazz Performance and Pedagogy.
Montreal
In 2004, after completing his studies, he returned to Montreal to pursue his career in music. He was a part of several tours featuring Toronto-based, Juno award-winning singer Sophie Milman, performed concerts with Montreal chanteuse Ranee Lee, and recorded albums with singer-songwriters Laurence Hélie and Rob Lutes.
Nikki Yanofsky
Rob spent six years touring internationally as musical director for Juno-nominated Montreal teen singing sensation, Nikki Yanofsky. With Nikki, Rob toured extensively throughout Canada and the world, including performances at many of North America’s most prestigious jazz clubs including The Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, and Iridium in New York City, as well as the Catalina Jazz Club and Yoshi’s in California. He performed at premiere concert halls including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Avery Fisher Hall as part of Nikki’s unique collaboration with revered composer and conductor, Marvin Hamlisch. Along with his musical directing duties, he also served as road manager for Nikki’s many international trips, including engagements at Ronnie Scott’s in London, L’Olympia in Paris, tours of Japanese jazz clubs in Osaka, Yokohama, and Tokyo, multiple performances at European jazz festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, and a once-in-a-lifetime performance in front of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey. He also worked alongside famed producer Phil Ramone, songwriter Jesse Harris, and bassist John Clayton on Nikki’s early recordings.
Nelson, BC
In 2013, Rob moved to Nelson, British Columbia and immediately went about making a name for himself on the region’s vibrant music scene. He is currently the principal bassist for the Symphony of the Kootenays, had success with the unique party band The Devils You Don’t, performs regularly with singer-songwriter Brian Kalbfleisch, and is an essential part of the region’s jazz scene. He also donates his time to uplift the culture of the region by serving as Treasurer for both the Selkirk Concert Society, presenting the Selkirk Pro-Musica Concert Series, and the Symphony of the Kootenays.