Robert Hurst & Black Currant Jam

Robert Hurst, a 1982 NEA Presidential Scholar Awardee who immediately matriculated to Indiana University, has evolved into one of the most in-demand and top-ten-polls-ranked bassist of this century. A Detroit native, Hurst has enjoyed a stellar career spanning 30 years and is a highly respected and well recognized composer, electric and acoustic bassist, educator, recording artist, and businessman. He has joined talented musicians from around the world on lengthy tours and GRAMMY Award-winning recordings with: Sir Paul McCartney, Charles Lloyd, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Harry Connick Jr., Terrence Blanchard, Tony Williams, Nicholas Payton, Sting, Carl Allen, the legendary Pharaoh Sanders, Barbara Streisand, Willie Nelson, YoYo Ma, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Botti, and Diana Krall.

Hurst has performed on over 200 diverse and critically acclaimed productions. His contributions on a select group of these recordings have yielded seven GRAMMY Awards and several RIAA-certified­ multi-platinum and gold records. His own eight recordings as a leader have all garnered top ten and five-star recognition around the globe. You may also recognize him as the inaugural bassist in the house band of NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, where he played for eight seasons from 1992 to 1999. His nightly performances and contributions in the form of arranging, composing, acting, and occasional music directing for the NBC program was highlighted with four EMMY® Awards in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1999.

Hurst’s music transcends genre while keeping the improvisational genius and fascination of jazz glowing at its center.