Biography

Jazz composer, performer and teacher, Rob Ryndak has a passion for music.  In his compositions he combines pop, jazz and Latin rhythms to create melodic accessible tunes. While Rob is a pianist, he draws from his percussion roots and infuses a strong baseline of rhythms within his composition and still likes to get out from behind his piano to play congas. 

He used this mix of genres to create seven recordings of original music. These albums include a variety of musical styles and have simplicity and lyrical melodies that are accessible to audiences. He includes strong percussion and turns to flute, trumpet and sax regularly.  His goal is to create music that leads to heart felt improvisation and forces the musicians to rely on their gut instinct more than habits. 

 In 1996 he was signed with Southport, an independent Chicago jazz label where he released his first three CDs.

Rob’s second album, Boundless (Released in 1998) owed a great deal to working with a tight band. They worked closely together playing out regularly together and the CD grew from this connection. They added an international touch to the recording with the addition of jazz legend trombonist, Vince Benedetti. 

Stay With It, Rob’s third album with the Southport Label included high profile musicians including Steve Cole on sax and Richard Patterson on bass. Rob veered clearly into Smooth Jazz territory on a number of the tunes and worked with an arranger (Gary Norian) for the first time for this CD.

In 2005, Rob signed with the Pacific Coast Jazz label. The release, A Reason to Smile debuted in September of 2006. He pulled from his percussion roots and included Latin and African rhythms. The Album received great critical reviews. Reviews on All About Jazz said the tunes on this CD were “. . . .  light and upbeat, the songs have an uncluttered feel to them, and there is enough variety between each composition to keep the interest of any listener for numerous helpings.” Rob’s 5th CD, A Wonderful Thing, released in 2013 climbed to 38 on the JazzWeek chart.  He collaborated with saxophonist, Tom Lockwood on the 6th recording entitled, Gratitude (released in 2019).  It features Grammy Award Winner, Brian Lynch on trumpet.

Rob’s latest release, Listen Deeply, includes thirteen originals with the cello having prevalent spotlight. The recording features world renowned Rex Richardson on trumpet.  Jazz journalist and author Scott Yanow has commented “Rob’s eclectic set of fresh and inspiring music, which includes swing, bossa nova, ballads, and perfromances beyond description, will motivate many listeners to rest with the tunes without distraction.”

 Rob has recorded and played with a long list of Chicago greats including, Steve Cole, Ruben Alvarez, Carlos Cornier, Paulinho Garcia, Greg Fishman, Larry Gray, Bobby Lewis, Richard Patterson and Paul Wertico.

Robs music is autobiographical. He incorporates a great deal of what is going on in his head and heart in the music.   Some of his inspiration was found in places including Sedona Arizona where he wrote “Creek Haven Blues” and “Bell Rock”.  His travels to Costa Rica is the source for “Ojos Café Hermosos”.  He also draws from relationships. The tunes “Clare’s Arrival” and “Lea’s Joy” are dedicated to his daughters.  Moreover, Rob’s inspiring journey to the Dominican Republic has spawned inspiration to compose music with a Bachata feel.

Rob’s ensemble has regularly performed at such festivals throughout the Midwest such as Munster Indiana Jazz & Blues Festival, Nebraska’s Joslyn Museum’s Jazz on the Green, Chicago’s Music on Michigan Ave. Series and Milwaukee’s Jazz in the Park Series. Rob was featured as opening act for Steve Cole at Milwaukee’s Third Ward Jazz Festival.  

In addition to composing and performing, Rob has taught music both privately and at the college level.  He received his Masters of Music from Northwestern University.  Rob is currently located in Carmel, Indiana.