Press Kit

After graduating from Brown University in 1970 Rob Carlson led the original Benefit Street and later recorded the critically acclaimed Peaceable Kingdom with singer Jon Gailmor, released internationally on Polydor in 1974.  After the duo broke up he continued playing concerts and clubs in the Northeast and Caribbean and helped found two recording studios in Connecticut.  In 1986 he went to work in radio creating jingles, commercials, records, industrial music, lyrics and scripts for a host of clients, winning multiple awards.  His song parodies and comedy bits for the American Comedy Network and the ABC Radio Networks included five years as “Ramblin’ Bob” for ACN, writing and performing a topical/satirical song each week in the style of Bob Dylan.  In 1998 he joined David Buskin and George Wurzbach to become recording three albums and performing all over the US and Canada for the next eleven years. In 2008 they received the New York Nightlife Award for best comedy group in New York.

Multi-instrumentalist Vincent Pasternak (mandolin/violin/viola/guitar) worked with Rob in a previous life during the late seventies and early eighties, both in bands and on numerous jingle and industrial sessions.  He’s a video editor and producer as well as a fine musician, capable in several genres.  In the course of his world travels Vinnie fell in love with Brazilian samba music and has written and produced an album of sambas featuring his sister, jazz singer Nicole Pasternak, on vocals.  For more about Vin try www.folkstogether.com/vp.html.

Going back even further Rob first worked with keyboard player Paul Payton in college.  Paul studied at Julliard and was a music major at Brown.  Right after graduating Rob and Paul formed the Benefit Street band and played all over New England.  Later Paul went on to a successful career in radio and as one of the New York metro area’s best, and busiest, voice over artists.  He is also a walking encyclopedia of rock and pop records, with a life long love of “doo-wop”music.  Recently, Paul issued a CD of the original Benefit Street recordings on his label, Presence Records, which has also issued doo-wop and other music.  For more about Paul and Presence, go to www.presenceproductions.com.

Drummer Sam Carlson is the younger of Rob’s two sons and a student at Southern CT State College.  He studied drums under Jim Royle and plays guitar and mandolin as well.  He also performs with guitarist Ilya Gitelman as “Ports of Spain”.

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The Critics Rave…. about Rob Carlson (what a guy!)-

• ""If you want to have a terrific night out go see Rob Carlson. He's bitingly clever, and his thoughtful side is very moving too." - Christine Lavin
• "Serious, joyful, irreverent, reflective and belly laugh funny" - The Norwalk Hour
• "Carlson has a gift for inextricably welding words and music, sound and sense into personal dramas of clarity, impact and completeness."
  -FM Guide
• “A big, lovable teddy bear of a man with a wicked sense of humor and a genuine gift for imitating other performers. His voice is warm and inviting…”
  - David Hurst “Show Business”
• “Rob Carlson is a scream…”
  - Scott and Barbara Siegel, “Back Stage”
• “...a sophisticated melange of songs and comedy, In short, Rob Carlson entertains.” - Westport News
• “His style is refreshing, his versatility amazing.”
  - The Fairfield Mirror
• “While most singers aren’t comedians and most comedians can’t sing, Rob Carlson accomplishes both feats...” - Fairfield County Weekly
• “... a refreshing change of pace from conventional pop product.” - Billboard Magazine
• “Carlson’s songs are gems that sparkle with empathy and warmth.” -- FM Guide
• “Carlson brought a refreshing taste of good-natured wit, warmth and general songwriting skill to the stage.”
  - Danbury News-Times
• “... a multi-dimensional talent”
  - The Bergen County Record

The Rob Carlson & Benefit Street Brochure (by Leslie Lee) View/download the brochure (3MB).	The Rob Carlson & Benefit Street Poster (by Leslie Lee) View/download small poster (60KB). View/download large poster (8MB).
Sam, Rob, Vin and Paul View/download hi-res photo.
Vin, Sam, Rob and Paul View/download hi-res photo.
Photo:Elizabeth Pasternak View/download hi-res photo.	Photo:Elizabeth Pasternak View/download hi-res photo.