Treehouse

Velvet Hand

Bob Rafkin has come into his own as a premier singer, songwriter and guitar finger stylist. He has won awards for his work, writing timeless music, instrumentally and lyrically, as evidenced on his seven Lake Ridge Records recordings. 'Down This Road', released in 1994, was lauded by DIRTY LINEN, 'He's an exceptional guitarist, has a smooth, pleasing voice, and his years spent in the studio show in the simple, yet effective arrangements.' Since then, Rafkin has released seven other CDs, 'Out Of Jericho', 'The Circus Is In Town', "One Man Band", Songs Of Bob Rafkin and three guitar instrumental CD's, "Velvet Hand", "Six String Christmas" and his latest "Eclectic Treehouse". Two of Bob's instrumental albums have been featured on The Weather Channel. Bob's career in music has had many twists and turns which have brought him full circle. Born in New York City, Bob grew up in Washington D.C., Cleveland and Philadelphia. Rafkin's musical journey actually began when he headed for Greenwich Village in the mid-sixties where he joined forces with David Blue to form the campy folk-rock group, The American Patrol. In the Village, Bob met folksingers Phil Ochs and Eric Andersen, and Eric Jacobsen, producer for the Lovin' Spoonful, Tim Hardin and Sopwith Camel. He played guitar on and contributed musical arrangements to Eric Andersen's 1966 album, 'More Hits From Tin Can Alley,' on Vanguard Records. In 1967, Eric Jacobsen moved to San Francisco to start Sweet Reliable Productions. Bob also relocated there to work as a producer, musical arranger and session guitarist. Old friends David Blue and Phil Ochs moved to Los Angeles, where Bob eventually settled after breaking with Jacobsen in 1968. He played on and produced David Blue's 1972 Asylum LP, 'Stories,' and played on two LP's by Phil Ochs, including the legendary live album, 'Gunfight At Carnegie Hall.' Jobs were plentiful as Bob worked along side producers Henry Lewy, Larry Marks and Lenny Waronker. He played on sessions for Gene Vincent, The Everly Brothers, Randy Newman and Arlo Guthrie, and was hired to rework Joni Mitchell's1972 song, 'Blonde In The Bleachers,' for a single release. Bob's songwriting career took flight in the early seventies with his song 'Lazy Waters,' covered by the Byrd's on their LP, 'Farther Along.' He wrote the score for a PBS documentary, furnished the off-camera recording for actor Greg Evigan (B.J. McKay on the NBC TV program 'B.J. and the Bear') and his song, 'Ain't Gonna Rain No More' was featured on the soundtrack to the feature film 'Spree'. Bob's first-rate guitar playing was in demand for Tim Buckley's 'Sefronia' album and Augie Meyer's 1973 Polydor LP 'Western Head Music Company.' He collaborated on a country song with rock and roll legend, Johnny Tillotson. After the untimely passing of David Blue, Phil Ochs and Tim Buckley in the mid-seventies, Rafkin took time off from the studio scene to redirect his life and establish his own woodworking business, allowing his creative desires an outlet without the immense pressures of the recording industry. In 1991, Bob relocated to central Florida where he currently lives with his wife and daughter. So began the current phase in his rich musical life. All seven of his CD's were composed and recorded since his 1991 move. In 1994, Bob was a winner in the Florida Guitar Finger Picking Championship and the South Florida Festival Songwriters Competition. Besides his private guitar teaching and clinics, Bob has performed all over Florida, in Nashville at the Bluebird Cafe and at the Bethlehem Musikfest in Pennsylvania. He opened for Willie Nelson in 1997 and 1999. In 2002 and 2003, Bob toured the United Kingdom with country music artist, Annie Sims. Since then, Bob has returned to the U K each year, performing solo.

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Turtle Island!

'I was impressed by his musical virtuosity and personal appeal...His songs succeed!' - Ernie Coombs, (Mr. Dressup) 'McKhool is Canada's greatest eco-troubadour for young people and his concerts are engaging and educational' - Mississauga Living Arts Centre Chris McKhool Awards • 2009 JUNO Award nomination • 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award -Children's Album of the Year • 2009 Parents' Choice Award • 2009 iParenting Media Award • 2009 Canadian Children's Book Centre 'Best of 2009' • 2010 Canadian Independent Music Awards nominees- Favourite Children's Artist/Group (Ann. March 13) • 2005 Green Toronto Award of Excellence TURTLE ISLAND! The world's first turtle opera! Longbottom the Turtle discovers that a dam is blocking the river that brings water to his home. Can Longbottom, with the help of his new friends Kitchenai the hawk, Pshew the hungry alligator and Dompata the rabbit, get the water back before it's too late? On his journey Longbottom learns about friendship, bravery, and his own ability to create positive change. With vibrant original music and colourful characters, a cast of five magically portray this environmental fable. This CD is beautifully produced with lush songs and a full cast. Hailed as a "Children's musical star" (National Post) and "Canada's greatest eco-troubadour for young people" (Mississauga Living Arts Centre), Chris McKhool is one of Canada's hottest children's musicians. Chris has been touring across Canada with his children's concerts for over ten years, reaching almost 1 million children, and has appeared on Mr. Dressup, YTV's Treehouse, TVOntario's Crawlspace and the CBC. A champion of environmental issues, Chris won a 2005 Green Toronto Award of Excellence and was a finalist for the Environment Canada Action Award for his work in schools and communities across Canada with his CD and concert Earth, Seas & Air. He has also won a Parent's Choice Award in the U.S. for his CD of the same name, produced by Ken Whiteley (Raffi). He has been the recipient of Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, FACTOR and PromoFact Awards. Chris has toured throughout Canada including Baffin Island and has appeared at the Ottawa, Vancouver, Thunder Bay and London International Children's Festivals. He has also performed in the U.S, England, Cuba, Guatemala and in Tibetan schools across the Indian Himalayas. "Many have tried but none have come as close to capturing what it means to truly celebrate multiculturalism as Chris McKhool. The Toronto singer-songwriter epitomizes what many Canadians have come to love about this country." - Deanne Fisher, City Parent "Chris McKhool and the boys were fantastic! They can play my Bar Mitzvah." - Bob Ezrin, producer (Pink Floyd, Kiss) 'Singer Chris McKhool is known as the Eco-Troubadour because he has the heart of an environmentalist and the songs to prove it..." - Nancy Maes, Chicago Tribune "Your combination of quality music, strong lyrics that speak to kids, and respect for your young audience was a real hit with children, parents and teachers." - Norma Graham, Vancouver International Children's Festival "...a very successful tour, with a great response from the children and teachers they performed for...a big hit with the students." - Marianne Woods, Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils "McKhool's interactive concerts empower and motivate children, caregivers and educators to be active protectors of their environment, and inspire them to be environmental ambassadors within their community." - Green Living Magazine "You are tremendous! It was a great performance. It was awesome and I love the multiculturalism!" - Andrew Locker, Ontario Music Educators Association Conference Co-Chair.

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