Rob Waring

Rob Waring has been a central figure in Norway’s music scene since he moved to Oslo from New York in 1981. Combining the roles of percussionist, vibraphonist, composer and educator, his work spans a broad spectrum of musical approaches and styles. He studied classical percussion at the Juilliard School in New York at the same time as he devoted himself to jazz vibraphone and improvised music in various forms. The list of ensembles and musicians Waring has collaborated with is long and includes John Surman, David Friedman, Misha Alperin, Eyolf Dale, Mats Eilertsen, Harald Walkate and the New York Second, Espen Rud, Elin Rosseland, Tone Hulbækmo, Søyr, and Aruán Ortiz. His own trio with Carl Morten Iversen and Frank Jakobsen issued two recordings (Secret Red Thread and Synchronize Your Watches). As a member of John Surman's bands since 2018 he has appeared on the albums Invisible Threads (with Nelson Ayres) and Words Unspoken (with Rob Luft and Thomas Strønen) on the ECM label. A unique vibraphone-marimba duo collaboration with David Friedman has resulted in the album Wayfarers, issued in 2024. From 1986 to 2006, Waring was a member of the ever-unpredictable jazz ensemble Søyr, contributing compositions and recording 4 albums with them. Waring traveled to Bali in 2002 to study Gamelan music, an experience that is reflected in many of his compositions. His piece Sikoté Sukán, written for Sisu Percussion Ensemble and recorded by them, is an example of this influence.