Band ‘rocks’ Plymouth College students - 21/10/10

Published: 21 October, 2010

Rock Band, Two Spot Gobi, have held a series of concerts and workshops at Plymouth College. 

The band, whose lead singer is former Plymouth College pupil, James Robinson, have already released one successful album and recorded their second album at the Californian home of Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling artist, Jason Mraz.

Mraz stumbled upon Two Spot Gobi playing at a bar in Plymouth on his day off from supporting James Blunt in 2007. He fell in love with their upbeat vibe and later invited them to open for him at a few shows in Brighton, where they are based. In the Autumn of 2008, following exposure for Two Spot Gobi from Perez Hilton, Jason Mraz invited the band to join him on his US tour and then again on his European tour in 2009.

As part of their 'Music Set Free' initiative for schools, the band performed their set at assembly and at a lunchtime concert.  They also held workshops during the day and for the after school club, Rock School.

"We had an awesome response from the pupils", said lead singer, James Robinson.  "We discovered some fantastic voices during the workshops and got some great harmonies going.  The school bands were our 'support' acts for the lunchtime concert and we worked on some of the sixth formers' compositions in the afternoon.

"Our aim with this initiative is to inspire creativity by bringing the live music experience to as many school kids as possible", James continued.  "Two Spot Gobi is an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, classical and rock music and we wanted to show them how they can express themselves through music whatever the genre."

Teacher, Andy Norris, who runs the Rock School club said: "It was an amazing experience to have an acclaimed band like Two Spot Gobi come into school.  We have a number of budding rock stars here and they were delighted to have the chance to work with such a talented band."