Robert Fleischman
Encyclopedia
Robert Fleischman is an American
musician
, songwriter
, and record producer
.
Fleischman is perhaps best known as the short-lived lead singer for the rock
group Journey
in 1977 between the group's albums, Next
and Infinity. He appeared in live concert performances with Journey and co-wrote and recorded numerous studio demo tracks during the band's early writing sessions for the upcoming album, Infinity. Three of those co-written tracks appear on the album: "Anytime", "Wheel in the Sky" (reaching #57 on the Billboard
charts), and "Winds Of March".
The only officially released Journey song featuring Fleischman's vocals is "For You" which can be found on Journey's box-set release, Time3
, as well as on Fleischman's 1979 solo album entitled Perfect Stranger. He may have also contributed to the track "Velvet Curtain" (also found on Time3) which was later re-written as "Feeling That Way" and credited to Aynsley Dunbar, Steve Perry, and Gregg Rolie.
While former Journey manager Herbie Herbert states that he was fired for personality differences, Fleischman maintains that he was already signed to another manager, Barry Fey
, and left Journey over management complications but remained friends with the band.
In January 2005 when Journey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
, Fleischman was one of Journey's especially invited guests at the Journey: Past And Present ceremony.
Fleischman was also associated with the English
rock group, Asia
, for a short time. Already known to bandmember Carl Palmer
, John Kalodner
of Geffen Records
introduced him to Asia's John Wetton
as the possible new lead singer for the group. After working on new material together, it became apparent to Fleischman that Wetton's voice was actually best suited for the material; after discussing this with the band, he amicably left the project and returned to America to pursue other possibilities.
He has also been part of the band Channel, along with guitarist Tony Berg, bassist Trey Thompson, and originally with drummer Art Wood (not to be confused with the singer Art Wood
) . This line-up of the band wrote the song "The Way I Feel". By the time Channel's self-titled album was recorded in 1984 however, Thompson's former Black Rose
band-mate Gary Ferguson had joined as drummer, and would later appear on Robert's solo album Dreaming in Tongues (2004). (In 2009, after many years out of print, Channel's self-titled debut album was reissued on compact disc in the UK by Rock Candy Records.)
In 1986, Fleischman appeared with the Vinnie Vincent Invasion
, featuring the ex-KISS
guitarist Vinnie Vincent
, on their self-titled album
and later on the unreleased album Guitars From Hell (1991). In 1996, Vincent released a compact disc called The EP , which featured Robert on vocals. The EP was also released under the name Euphoria
. Although out of print on compact disc, Vincent has since made the Euphoria EP
available as a download.
In 2004, Fleischman recorded an AOR
version of The Lord's Prayer
for a compilation CD Liberty N' Justice
for their album Welcome To The Revolution. He also released this track under his own banner in both vocal and instrumental versions.
Fleischman is also known for scoring soundtracks for TV and film, notably That '70s Show
and the pilot episode of SpongeBob SquarePants
. Many of his ambient scores can be found on the solo albums Kinetic Phenomena and Electric Raindrops, (both 2004).
In early 2009, Fleischman announced the formation of a new band, The Sky.
Guitars From Hell (1991) with Vinnie Vincent
remains unreleased.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, and record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
.
Fleischman is perhaps best known as the short-lived lead singer for the rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
group Journey
Journey (band)
Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
in 1977 between the group's albums, Next
Next (Journey album)
-Band:*Neal Schon - guitar , lead vocals, producer*Gregg Rolie - keyboards, lead vocals, producer*Aynsley Dunbar - drums and percussion, producer*Ross Valory - bass, background vocals, producer-Other:*Smiggy - engineer, mixing...
and Infinity. He appeared in live concert performances with Journey and co-wrote and recorded numerous studio demo tracks during the band's early writing sessions for the upcoming album, Infinity. Three of those co-written tracks appear on the album: "Anytime", "Wheel in the Sky" (reaching #57 on the Billboard
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
charts), and "Winds Of March".
The only officially released Journey song featuring Fleischman's vocals is "For You" which can be found on Journey's box-set release, Time3
Time 3
Time3 is a 1992 three-CD box set by the American rock band Journey.The tracks are arranged chronologically and include both studio and live tracks...
, as well as on Fleischman's 1979 solo album entitled Perfect Stranger. He may have also contributed to the track "Velvet Curtain" (also found on Time3) which was later re-written as "Feeling That Way" and credited to Aynsley Dunbar, Steve Perry, and Gregg Rolie.
While former Journey manager Herbie Herbert states that he was fired for personality differences, Fleischman maintains that he was already signed to another manager, Barry Fey
Barry Fey
Barry Fey is an American rock concert promoter based out of Colorado who is best known for bringing prominent music acts to the United States for the first time.- Career :...
, and left Journey over management complications but remained friends with the band.
In January 2005 when Journey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of more than 2,400 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along fifteen blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California...
, Fleischman was one of Journey's especially invited guests at the Journey: Past And Present ceremony.
Fleischman was also associated with the English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
rock group, Asia
Asia (band)
Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup as it included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands, namely John Wetton , Geoff Downes , Steve Howe and Carl Palmer Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a...
, for a short time. Already known to bandmember Carl Palmer
Carl Palmer
Carl Frederick Kendall Palmer is an English drummer and percussionist. He is credited as one of the most respected rock drummers to emerge from the 1960s...
, John Kalodner
John Kalodner
John David Kalodner is a retired American A&R executive. His achievements included signing Foreigner, AC/DC, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins to Atlantic Records in the seventies....
of Geffen Records
Geffen Records
Geffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:...
introduced him to Asia's John Wetton
John Wetton
John Kenneth Wetton is an English bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer and songwriter. He was born in Willington, Derbyshire, and grew up in Bournemouth. He has been a professional musician since the late 1960s...
as the possible new lead singer for the group. After working on new material together, it became apparent to Fleischman that Wetton's voice was actually best suited for the material; after discussing this with the band, he amicably left the project and returned to America to pursue other possibilities.
He has also been part of the band Channel, along with guitarist Tony Berg, bassist Trey Thompson, and originally with drummer Art Wood (not to be confused with the singer Art Wood
Art Wood
Arthur "Art" Wood was a British blues, pop and rock singer, who led The Artwoods in the 1960s and subsequently became a graphic artist. He was the brother of Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones.-Life:...
) . This line-up of the band wrote the song "The Way I Feel". By the time Channel's self-titled album was recorded in 1984 however, Thompson's former Black Rose
Black Rose (Cher album)
Black Rose is the seventeenth studio album by American singer-actress Cher and the debut album by her band, Black Rose. The album was released on August 21, 1980 by Casablanca Records...
band-mate Gary Ferguson had joined as drummer, and would later appear on Robert's solo album Dreaming in Tongues (2004). (In 2009, after many years out of print, Channel's self-titled debut album was reissued on compact disc in the UK by Rock Candy Records.)
In 1986, Fleischman appeared with the Vinnie Vincent Invasion
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
Vinnie Vincent Invasion was an American heavy metal/glam metal band formed in 1984 by former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent.-Biography:Initially forming the band in the mid-80's, Vincent recruited bassist Dana Strum, who had also served as a talent scout of sorts in L.A., recruiting band members for...
, featuring the ex-KISS
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
guitarist Vinnie Vincent
Vinnie Vincent
Vincent John Cusano, better known as Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist from Bridgeport, Connecticut and songwriter known for his brief membership in the band Kiss.-Replacing Ace Frehley in Kiss:...
, on their self-titled album
Vinnie Vincent Invasion (album)
Vinnie Vincent Invasion is a 1986 album by Vinnie Vincent Invasion. The album was listed number 8 on Kerrang!s list of hard rock albums in 1986. The same magazine listed the album number 100 on their list of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time.The album peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Pop...
and later on the unreleased album Guitars From Hell (1991). In 1996, Vincent released a compact disc called The EP , which featured Robert on vocals. The EP was also released under the name Euphoria
Euphoria (Vinnie Vincent album)
Euphoria is a 1996 EP by Vinnie Vincent. There is another pressing of this disc as well called The EP. The purpose was to preview material for an album called Guitarmageddon which has yet to materialize....
. Although out of print on compact disc, Vincent has since made the Euphoria EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
available as a download.
In 2004, Fleischman recorded an AOR
Album-oriented rock
Album-oriented rock is an American FM radio format focusing on album tracks by rock artists.-Music played:Most radio formats are based on a select, tight rotation of hit singles...
version of The Lord's Prayer
Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer is a central prayer in Christianity. In the New Testament of the Christian Bible, it appears in two forms: in the Gospel of Matthew as part of the discourse on ostentation in the Sermon on the Mount, and in the Gospel of Luke, which records Jesus being approached by "one of his...
for a compilation CD Liberty N' Justice
Liberty N' Justice
Liberty N' Justice is a Christian hard rock band started in 1991 by Justin Murr and Patrick Marchand. In 2002, Murr continued with the Liberty N' Justice name, contacting several well-known artists to join him in creating the new album Welcome to the Revolution...
for their album Welcome To The Revolution. He also released this track under his own banner in both vocal and instrumental versions.
Fleischman is also known for scoring soundtracks for TV and film, notably That '70s Show
That '70s Show
That '70s Show is an American television period sitcom that centers on the lives of a group of teenage friends living in the fictional suburban town of Point Place, Wisconsin, from May 17, 1976, to December 31, 1979...
and the pilot episode of SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series, created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. Much of the series centers on the exploits and adventures of the title character and his various friends in the underwater city of "Bikini Bottom"...
. Many of his ambient scores can be found on the solo albums Kinetic Phenomena and Electric Raindrops, (both 2004).
In early 2009, Fleischman announced the formation of a new band, The Sky.
Solo albums
- Perfect Stranger (1979) http://discog.fleetwoodmac.net/discog.php?pid=530, which featured many guest musicians including Jimmy CrespoJimmy CrespoJames "Jimmy" Crespo Jr. is an American guitarist. He was the lead guitarist for the hard rock band Aerosmith from 1979 until 1984. Jimmy co-wrote Rock in a Hard Place with Steven Tyler...
of AerosmithAerosmithAerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
, John McVieJohn McVieJohn Graham McVie is a British bass guitarist best known as a member of the rock group Fleetwood Mac. His surname, combined with that of Mick Fleetwood, was the inspiration for the band's name...
of Fleetwood MacFleetwood MacFleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
, and former bandmates Neal SchonNeal SchonNeal George Joseph Schon is an American rock guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist best known for his work with the band Journey. He is the only member to have recorded on all of Journey's albums...
and Gregg RolieGregg RolieGregg Alan Rolie is an American keyboardist, organist, and singer, who is one of the founding members of the bands Santana, The Storm, Abraxas Pool and Journey, for whom he was the original lead singer. He currently performs with his Gregg Rolie Band...
of JourneyJourney (band)Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded... - World In Your Eyes (2002), which was produced by former HurricaneHurricane (band)Hurricane was a 1980s heavy metal / glam metal rock band originally featuring current Foreigner lead vocalist Kelly Hansen , Robert Sarzo , Tony Cavazo , and Jay Schellen...
and current ForeignerForeigner (band)Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm...
singer Kelly HansenKelly HansenKelly Hansen is an American singer, best known as the current frontman of the rock band Foreigner. He started his career as an independent studio singer. He later met guitarist Robert Sarzo and bassist Tony Cavazo , with whom he formed the hard-rock band Hurricane in 1984... - Electric Raindrops (2004), the first of two albums of Robert's ambient scores
- Kinetic Phenomena (2004), which, like its predecessor, showcases Robert's TV and film scoring ability
- Dreaming in Tongues (also 2004) on which Robert sang, played guitar, bass, keys, and drums, with additional drums by his Channel bandmate Gary Ferguson, and cello and additional bass by Cameron Stone
- Look at the Dream (2007) whose title-track charted in the ACQB FM Chart's Top Twenty at number 15 http://www.robertfleischman.com/news.php .
Ensemble Releases
- Channel (1984)
- Vinnie Vincent InvasionVinnie Vincent InvasionVinnie Vincent Invasion was an American heavy metal/glam metal band formed in 1984 by former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent.-Biography:Initially forming the band in the mid-80's, Vincent recruited bassist Dana Strum, who had also served as a talent scout of sorts in L.A., recruiting band members for...
's self-titled albumVinnie Vincent Invasion (album)Vinnie Vincent Invasion is a 1986 album by Vinnie Vincent Invasion. The album was listed number 8 on Kerrang!s list of hard rock albums in 1986. The same magazine listed the album number 100 on their list of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time.The album peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Pop...
(1986) - "For You" on Time3Time 3Time3 is a 1992 three-CD box set by the American rock band Journey.The tracks are arranged chronologically and include both studio and live tracks...
with JourneyJourney (band)Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
(1992) - Euphoria (Vinnie Vincent album)Euphoria (Vinnie Vincent album)Euphoria is a 1996 EP by Vinnie Vincent. There is another pressing of this disc as well called The EP. The purpose was to preview material for an album called Guitarmageddon which has yet to materialize....
with Vinnie VincentVinnie VincentVincent John Cusano, better known as Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist from Bridgeport, Connecticut and songwriter known for his brief membership in the band Kiss.-Replacing Ace Frehley in Kiss:...
(1996) - The Lord's PrayerLord's PrayerThe Lord's Prayer is a central prayer in Christianity. In the New Testament of the Christian Bible, it appears in two forms: in the Gospel of Matthew as part of the discourse on ostentation in the Sermon on the Mount, and in the Gospel of Luke, which records Jesus being approached by "one of his...
with the band Liberty N' JusticeLiberty N' JusticeLiberty N' Justice is a Christian hard rock band started in 1991 by Justin Murr and Patrick Marchand. In 2002, Murr continued with the Liberty N' Justice name, contacting several well-known artists to join him in creating the new album Welcome to the Revolution...
for their album Welcome To The Revolution (2004).
Guitars From Hell (1991) with Vinnie Vincent
Vinnie Vincent
Vincent John Cusano, better known as Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist from Bridgeport, Connecticut and songwriter known for his brief membership in the band Kiss.-Replacing Ace Frehley in Kiss:...
remains unreleased.
Composing With Journey
- Infinity (1978)
- Greatest HitsGreatest Hits (Journey album)Greatest Hits is a greatest hits album by American rock band Journey. The album was originally released on November 15, 1988 by Columbia Records....
(1988) - Time3Time 3Time3 is a 1992 three-CD box set by the American rock band Journey.The tracks are arranged chronologically and include both studio and live tracks...
(1992) - Greatest Hits LiveGreatest Hits Live (Journey album)-Personnel:*Steve Perry – lead vocals*Neal Schon – lead guitar, vocals*Ross Valory – bass, vocals*Steve Smith – drums, percussion*Jonathan Cain – keyboards, rhythm guitar, vocals-Production:*A&R Executive: John Kalodner*Produced & Mixed By Kevin Shirley...
(1998) - The Essential JourneyThe Essential JourneyThe Essential Journey is a compilation of songs from the rock band Journey. Released on October 16, 2001, it is part Sony BMG's "Essential" series of compilation albums. The album includes most of Journey's major and minor hits that have charted on Billboard Hot 100...
(2001) - Live in Houston 1981: The Escape TourLive in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour-Personnel:*Neal Schon - lead guitar, background vocals*Steve Perry - lead vocals*Jonathan Cain - keyboards, rhythm guitar, background vocals*Steve Smith - drums, percussion*Ross Valory - bass, background vocals...
(2005) - RevelationRevelation (Journey album)-DVD:#"Sky Light" #"Any Way You Want It" #*Originally from Departure, 1980#"Wheel in the Sky" #*Originally from Infinity, 1978#"Lights"...
(2008) Bonus Disc
Discography
- Infinity with JourneyJourney (band)Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
(1978) as a songwriter (see above for JourneyJourney (band)Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
compilations) - Perfect Stranger (solo, 1979) http://discog.fleetwoodmac.net/discog.php?pid=530
- Channel's self-titled album (1984)
- Vinnie Vincent InvasionVinnie Vincent InvasionVinnie Vincent Invasion was an American heavy metal/glam metal band formed in 1984 by former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent.-Biography:Initially forming the band in the mid-80's, Vincent recruited bassist Dana Strum, who had also served as a talent scout of sorts in L.A., recruiting band members for...
's self-titled albumVinnie Vincent Invasion (album)Vinnie Vincent Invasion is a 1986 album by Vinnie Vincent Invasion. The album was listed number 8 on Kerrang!s list of hard rock albums in 1986. The same magazine listed the album number 100 on their list of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time.The album peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Pop...
(1986) - Guitars From Hell (1991) with Vinnie VincentVinnie VincentVincent John Cusano, better known as Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist from Bridgeport, Connecticut and songwriter known for his brief membership in the band Kiss.-Replacing Ace Frehley in Kiss:...
(unreleased) - "For You" on Time3Time 3Time3 is a 1992 three-CD box set by the American rock band Journey.The tracks are arranged chronologically and include both studio and live tracks...
with JourneyJourney (band)Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
(1992) - Euphoria (Vinnie Vincent album)Euphoria (Vinnie Vincent album)Euphoria is a 1996 EP by Vinnie Vincent. There is another pressing of this disc as well called The EP. The purpose was to preview material for an album called Guitarmageddon which has yet to materialize....
with Vinnie VincentVinnie VincentVincent John Cusano, better known as Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist from Bridgeport, Connecticut and songwriter known for his brief membership in the band Kiss.-Replacing Ace Frehley in Kiss:...
(1996) - World In Your Eyes (solo, 2002)
- The Lord's PrayerLord's PrayerThe Lord's Prayer is a central prayer in Christianity. In the New Testament of the Christian Bible, it appears in two forms: in the Gospel of Matthew as part of the discourse on ostentation in the Sermon on the Mount, and in the Gospel of Luke, which records Jesus being approached by "one of his...
on the album Welcome To The Revolution with the band Liberty N' JusticeLiberty N' JusticeLiberty N' Justice is a Christian hard rock band started in 1991 by Justin Murr and Patrick Marchand. In 2002, Murr continued with the Liberty N' Justice name, contacting several well-known artists to join him in creating the new album Welcome to the Revolution...
(2004) - Electric Raindrops (solo, 2004) as composer and musician
- Kinetic Phenomena (solo, 2004) as composer and musician
- Dreaming in Tongues (solo, 2004)
- Look at the Dream (solo, 2007)
External links
- Official website
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pretCsWmes&feature=user
- http://discog.fleetwoodmac.net/discog.php?pid=530
Interviews
- http://www.styleweekly.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=89B2469690194B458B15204AA670B97F&AudID=C3A7C1EDE4E54E24AF4637F9AAFFD1B6
- http://www.journey-zone.com/Features/Interviews/26_01-03/RF.htm
- http://www.libertynjustice.net/gettoknow_robert.php
- http://www.melodicrock.com/interviews/robertfleischman.html
- http://www.jimmycrespo.com/rfint.html
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SikcjAgCOLQ
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtjFm93OrrQ
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LosoP42KSME
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n7TH6Lx5Es
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbpNYOxbpGo