Musician plans March 10 show

Byline: CHRISTINE MORENTE
(OC Register - March 8, 2001)

As thousands of people in Los Angeles and Orange County hope to hit it big in Hollywood or in the music industry each year, only a select few are really chosen to revel in the limelight.

Former Tustin resident Rob Blaney seems to be headed in that direction.

He plays with skill and by ear. Splitting his time between Irvine and Guadalajara, Mexico, he is a musical director and a performer rolled into one.

Completing the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita last year as an assistant musical director and keyboard player, Blaney now is the musical director at Concordia University for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Performing at the Cinegrill on March 10, Blaney is hoping to snag an agent.

``My music is pop rock,'' he said. ``It's a Billy Joel meets Matchbox Twenty meets Sarah McLachlan. It's very piano driven.''

Blaney's music comes from the heart and he writes what he sings and knows.

``I don't really write what's current. It's what's happening in my life,'' Blaney said. ``It's very honest, positive and uplifting.''

Writing his own music since he was in junior high, his music definitely comes from his heart.

``The songs I write have to come out of me,'' he said. ``It usually happens in the shower or when I'm driving around.''

Piano playing began at a young age, but he realized that lessons weren't all that necessary.

``My mom started me on the piano when I was old enough to bang on the keys. I was taught the basics, but I play by ear. It's kind of a gift, and I never practiced. I was able to pick up songs at each lesson.''

Realizing that he wanted to be a professional pianist, singer and songwriter while at Foothill High School, he began accompanying soloists and choral groups. He played at Hewes Junior High, and he accompanied choirs at Foothill High during his sophomore through senior year. He also played the piano at Trinity United Presbyterian Church.

He attended Christ College, now known as Concordia University, in Irvine where he majored in art.

Seemingly, things have fallen into place. He had an opportunity to accompany Harry Connick Jr. in the soundtrack for Connick's upcoming film, Life Without Dick. The movie, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, is due out next year.

He was able to land the job based on a recommendation from the music director on the Evita tour, he said.

``It's all referrals and contacting who you know,'' Blaney said. ``Everyone in the business is a potential contact. I go into every situation giving my all because you never know who's watching.''

Married for 14 months to Kimberly Bueno who is currently studying medicine in Guadalajara, the Irvine resident, admires such artists as Billy Joel and Bruce Hornsby and hopes to put out a full-length CD. He's actively distributing his demo of three original songs.

Knowing Blaney for 15 years, Foothill Ranch resident Susan Raskulinecz calls him a ``fine'' musical director, singer and piano player.

``He's an extremely talented young man,'' she said. ``I think his music is going to touch a lot of people because he writes about real feelings and real life. His songs are very special.''

Blaney and his band will perform at 8 p.m. March 10 at the Cinegrill at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. For tickets or information, call (323-466-7000 or visit www.RobBlaney.com.


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