More than a balladeer, Robert Thomas Kuhlmann is a gifted singer, songwriter and performer with an unaffected charm that comes across in the sweet honesty of his words and the simple imagery of his songs. Over the years, he has won over audiences through his live performances, which are characterized by raw, yet tender, vocals and lilting guitars. Although his style ranges from acoustic ballads to ringing Stratocasters, the music is heartfelt and emotional.
Robert appears regularly around Southern California as a solo acoustic artist, teaming with Mike Vascellaro as Mike V and Robert K, as a worship leader in his church, and even occasionally joins his friends to play covers at local Knights of Columbus Halls. He has proven that he is as much at home performing solo on a barren Austin, TX, stage at SXSW, as he is backed by a full band.
The Village View once recommended a live performance with this quote: “Terrific, pop-inflected songs about love, loss and strength. Come hear why he’s a voice to listen for in the L.A. acoustic scene.”
His rocking sensibilities were featured on 1995’s The R & D Project, which showcases the varied influences of Robert’s partnership with lyricist/songwriter Don Jung. From up-tempo, guitar-driven rock and roll to country-tinged ballads, the collection is a reflection of the pair’s musical styles and interests. Common to both, though, is their passion for well-crafted pop songs with a romantic edge, and the CD features a song cycle that resonates with emotion as it traces the timeline of love.
Robert’s debut solo acoustic CD, Confidential Reasons, is a collection of excursions into the realms of ambition and desire, secrets and confessions, hope and heartbreak. Confidential Reasons was another collaboration between friends with Robert and George Schneller sharing songwriting and performance credits, and fellow musicians Jerry Giddens (Walking Wounded) and the late Ethan James acting as producers.
