Sadly, Robert Goldstein passed away, October 7, 2016. There was no one like Robert in the DC music scene...no one with his talent, warmth, and wit. He touched the lives of many and will not be forgotten by anyone who knew him or heard the wonderfully unique guitar 🎸 style with which he played.
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Robert began his quest for new music from an early age, playing guitar and listening to many genres. He later found a meaningful niche, while a student at Georgetown University, hosting his progressive radio show on the infamous WGTB FM.
Looking for a musical groove of his own, Robert experimented with various bands. Xyra first met Robert when he answered an ad she posted on a community bulletin board near DuPont Circle, seeking players to form a Roxy Music-like band. On meeting Robert, she was duly impressed with his musical ideas and eagerness to create something outside the norm. This led the two to form a short-lived band called The Look that practiced in the basement of The Hall of Nations at Georgetown University, where Robert studied International Relations. The Look began to look bleak, when another singer was added. So, Xyra looked for other bands.
Of course, fate held much more in store for Robert and his future bandmates. On meeting singer/lyricist, Roddy Franz, synth player Robin Rose, and bassist Linda France, a new force emerged known as the Urban Verbs, circa 1978/79. 'The Verbs' went on to record two albums for Warner Records, working with producers Brian Eno, Steve Lilywhite and Mike Thorne. During their heyday, in the '80s, they shared gigs with Talking Heads, The Cramps, the B-52s, U2 and others. Unfortunately, the Verbs split, mid-European tour, in the early 80's, when plagued by serious health crises. Their cult following continues to thrive.
Besides working on staff at National Public Radio (NPR), Robert toured with Xyra, and acted as music director, co-arranger, and co-producer for Xyra & Verborgen' s1998 CD release, 'Where Glass Birds Fly'. Under his direction, three songs from the CD were recorded at NPR Studios by Terry Knight. The work was completed with Marco Delmar at Recording Arts Studio and mastered by Bill Wolf of Wolf Productions.
Robert continued writing and recording for many years, adding to the many accomplishments already under his belt. A few of of his projects include composition and production of soundtracks featured as follows:
. Cannes Film Festival
. PBS specials
. ABC Television specials
. Art exhibitions at the National Gallery of Art, among others, and
. Background music for Radio Free Asia's worldwide coverage of China's re-appropriation of Hong Kong
