Originally from Catskill, NY, Bob Powers (guitarist/trumpeter) has worked extensively in the rock, funk and jazz idioms. Robert holds a Jazz Performance Degree from Arizona State University, where he received the Bob Ravenscroft Jazz Bird Scholarship. He studied under great artist such as Mike Crotty, Mike Kocour, David Hickman, Ryan Lehr and Chris Champion. While studying at Arizona State Robert had the great pleasure to perform with artist and composers such as Gunther Schuller, Scott Wendholt, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Vadala, Sheamus Blake, John Stowell and David Friesen to name a few.
While in New York , Robert attended and graduated Schenectady County Community College. There, he studied under Bill Meckley, Donald Boucher, Nat Phipps, Brett Wery and Tim Cleotor. During this period Robert spent his time practicing and attending concerts at The Van Dyke Jazz Club where he was able to experience such jazz greats as Empire Jazz Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson, Randy Brecker, Nick Brignola, Claudio Roditi, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Billy Mays, Scott Henderson, Pat Martino, Allen Holdsworth, Charlie Hunter, Phil Woods, Mark Vinci, Wynton Marsalis, John Scofield, Joshua Redman- all of which had a profound impact on Roberts musical inspiration, approach and career.
In addition, Robert became busy in upstate New York as a freelance trumpeter, working on various projects, the Joey Thomas Big Band and studying with jazz trumpet great-Brian Lynch.
Over the years Robert has worked on many great projects as well as musicians such as Chris Vadala, Mike Kocour, Mike Vax, John Lewis, Chris Champion, Mike Crotty, Tom Miles, Fred and Ike Sturm, Tony Vacca, The Show Chicago, DreamWorks, Desert House Productions, Proper Villain Entertainment, World Famous Rani G, Glendale Jazz Festival, Chandler Jazz Festival, Prescott Jazz Festival, Tempe Festival for the Arts, opened up for Blues Traveler and working with his own band -The Energy Trio -a funk, rock, jazz, experimental B3 organ trio joined by great musicians Shea Marshall (B3)and Erik Teichmann(Drums).
As well as working as a freelance trumpeter/guitarist/bandleader and composer, Robert is currently music faculty for the Metropolitan Arts Institute, Jazz faculty for Phoenix College and the Desert Ridge Music Academy in Phoenix, Arizona.