Front-man Robbie Long has been playing the saxophone since age 10. He got equipped with the knowlege of rhythm section instruments in high school and then started playing professionally in 1998, landing his first gig with the Director of Bands, Jerry Hoover at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. That experience gave him the opportunity to perform with various acts in the Branson, Missouri area. He later returned to Omaha and has been a regular performer with a variety of bands in the area.
He has been greatly influenced by many jazz legends such as Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Charlie Parker, and Oscar Peterson; as well as today’s greats including: Spyro Gyra, Dotsero, Everette Harp, Dave Valentin, and David Benoit. He has also performed on a number of CD projects nationwide.
Higher Pursuit has been the realization of Robbie’s transition from a Mainstream Jazz player to the Smooth Jazz format – blending the musicality of Gerry Mulligan and the showmanship and energy of Dave Koz.
