Robert Aaron


Robert Aaron is a Canadian jazz musician.
According to John Leland of the New York Times "Mr. Aaron played flute, saxophone, clarinet and piano, then taught himself guitar, trumpet, bassoon, French horn and other instruments."
He performed for rapper Wyclef Jean's band from 1998 to 2008.
Robin Caulden of Press-Republican said "He's played with everybody — Afrika Bambataa, B52s, Blondie, Chic, David Bowie, Heavy D, James Chance and The Contortions, RZA, Stetsasonic, William Vivanco and Wu-Tang Clan."
In 1981, he first started work with James Chance for the group James White and the Blacks; and has toured with him since in Europe and Japan.
He played sax on David Bowie's 1983 hit "Let's Dance".
In 2010, Aaron released his album Trouble Man, which Michael Daly of the Daily Beast called "artistically adventurous but commercially unsuccessful".
Folk singer Eric Andersen, who used Aaron on several albums as a producer and performer, described him as "Absolutely dedicated. He lived for his art."

Early life

Aaron was born in Montreal in 1955. He was discouraged from pursuing music as a career by his father, who taught piano. However, as a teenager in the 1970s, he decided to move to New York to perform and record with his band.

Death of Philip Seymour Hoffman

Aaron was arrested in February 2014 for suspicion of selling the heroin that caused the overdose death of Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ultimately, prosecutors dropped the most serious charge, which was intent to sell heroin. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of felony drug possession, and was sentenced to five years’ probation.

Notable credits

Credits according to AllMusic:
YearAlbumArtistCredit
1982The HunterBlondieHorn Arrangements, Saxophone
1982Sax ManiacJames White and The BlacksDrums, Percussion, Piano, Sax, Saxophone
1983Let's DanceDavid BowieFlute, Tenor
1983James White's Flaming DemonicsJames ChanceMember of Attributed Artist, Sax
1986L Is for LoverAl JarreauMusician, Reeds
1988In Full GearStetsasonicSaxophone
1992Nubian M.O.B.Nubian M.O.B.Bass, Flute, Guitar, Organ, Piano, Programming, Saxophone
1993The AlbumMasters at WorkKeyboards, Saxophone
1995Run AwayRobert AaronPrimary Artist
1996Sax in the OzoneRobert AaronPrimary Artist
1997Nightbird InventionsDominic DuvalTray Card
1998Memory of the FutureEric AndersenComposer, Flute, Keyboard Bass, Keyboards, Organ, producer, Sax, Sax, Sax, Trumpet
1999No ExitBlondieAdditional Personnel, Flute, Sax, Sax
1999Electric HoneyLuscious JacksonFlute, Horn
2000You Can't Relive the PastEric AndersenClarinet, Flute, Piano
2000Fear of FlyingMýaHorn
2000It Doesn't MatterWyclef JeanHorn
2000The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a BookWyclef JeanHorn
2001Goddess in the DoorwayMick JaggerFlute, Horn, Keyboards
2002Mr. JonesTom JonesHorn Arrangements, Sax, Sax, Saxophone
2002MasqueradeWyclef JeanKeyboards, Saxophone
2003FrankAmy WinehouseFlute, Saxophone
2003Beat AvenueEric AndersenBass, Bass, composer, Flute, Guitar, Keyboards, Melodica, Mixing, Organ, Piano, producer, Sax, Sax, Trumpet
2003Live and Kickin'Willie NelsonKeyboards
2003Greatest HitsWyclef JeanHorn
2003The Preacher's SonWyclef JeanFlute, Guitar, Melodica, Piano, Saxophone
2004The Street Was Always ThereEric AndersenArranger, Audio Production, Bass, Clarinet, composer, Cuatro, Editing, Flute, Guitar, Guitar, Keyboards, Liner Notes, Main Personnel, Melodica, Organ, Piano, producer, Saxophone, Synthesizer
2004Self ExplanatoryI-20Keyboards
2004Same GirlTrina BroussardFlute, Keyboards, Saxophone
2004Welcome to Haiti: Creole 101Wyclef JeanKeyboards, Saxophone
2005WavesEric AndersenArranger, Bass, Congas, Fender Rhodes, Flute, Guitar, Melodica, Oboe, Organ, Organ, Piano, Piccolo, producer, Quatro, Sax, Sax
2005OdysseyFischerspoonerFlute
2006Bole2Harlem, Vol. 1Bole2HarlemHorn
2007City BeachJill CunniffSaxophone, Wurlitzer
2009EntertainmentFischerspoonerFlute, Sax, Sax, Sax, Trumpet
2010Stolen CarCertain GeneralSaxophone
2010The Saddest KissRobert AaronPrimary Artist
2010Trouble ManRobert AaronPrimary Artist
2010ZazZazCuivres
2010Like a RadioCharles SchillingsAdditional Production, Keyboards, Saxophone
2010Twist Your Soul: The Definitive CollectionJames ChanceOrgan, Sax, Sax