Bio Page

The rock- and jazz-influenced Rob Kudyba, 29, picked up his first axe in 1986 and within year had joined his first band Koven. Rob handled lead and rhythm duties for the hard-rock outfit, a mainstay in Connecticut clubs like Bridges, Andy's, and the Alleycat. But he had moved on to other projects by 1989, including stints with groups like R&B act Bahrah and hard-rock oriented bands Gangster and Savage Saint.

As Kudyba has played with his fair share of groups, he's also played many different styles; his gigs have ranged from jazz to polkas to heavy metal. But the feedback before a live audience is what drives him.

"Trying out the material in front of crowds expecting to hear covers and having a great response, " Rob says, "is what inspires me to go on and on and keep writing and playing."

The Bee Zoo release is an illustration of the versatile Kudyba's penchant for collaboration. "I got tired of waiting for 'something to happen'," explains Rob. "So I got some friends together that I considered top-notch players in my area. The tunes developed from there."

Kudyba, also an adept bassist and vocalist, most recently played with Ivanhoe, a modern-rock band that's a regular on the Connecticut music scene. The 'Hoes regularly play venues like Arch Street Tavern, Silk City the Brickyard, the Bar With No Name, and Murphy & Scarletti's.

Rob's success is really no shocker. He graduated first in his class at the Hartford Conservatory, majoring in record production with a jazz and pop emphasis. He also holds an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts with a Music Emphasis from Manchester Technical-Community College, and a Bachelor's of Music degree with a Music Business/Jazz Studies emphasis from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He attended the school on talent and all-university scholarships. His current band is NYC based melodic rock band, Great Jones.