Rok Golob
composer, conductor and keyboards

Vocals:
Susan Massengale,
Sandra Adams, Maree Reed,
Alexandra “Songbird” Taylor,
Marcellus Smith, Ivan Hicks

David Clark, guitar
Stephan Gibu, bass
Brad Vinikow, keyboards
Darrell Johnson, drums
Matej Rihter, trumpet
Klemen Repe, trombone
Klemen Kotar, saxophone
Rok Golob noticed a group called Firm Soundation approximately 3 years ago. They were playing at the House of blues in Los Angeles and he was blown away by their energetic presence, vocal power and great rhythm section. So when David Clark (guitarist) offered him to produce the band, Rok thought he was kidding, since the band sounded great. But what the band was missing was to have its own original songs, suited for them perfectly. In 2009, Rok was asked to do a whole project with Big band RTV Slovenija. Since he always liked to try new, exciting combinations, he put this gospel, r/b, funk band together with the Big band RTV Slovenija and rappers Murat & Jose. What came out was a powerful project with the international group of people and an amazing tour and project. The SOUL ACTIVATION was born and started their successful journey around the world. Much more to come!
ROK GOLOB
 
www.rokgolob.com
 
 
 
Rok Golob is a composer, producer, conductor and multi-instrumentalist. He has worked for film, TV, radio and on over 50 CD projects. His very diverse styles of music include works for full symphony orchestra, choir, big-band, rock-pop-jazz bands/soloists and even concert bands.
For various projects, he’s received 6 Golden Music Awards and 7 other awards from different countries. He’s worked with names like Elmer Bernstein, Bjork, Bobby McFerrin, Christopher Young, Joe Harnell, Martika, Jose Carreras, Gino Vannelli, Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa…), Luis Conte (Santana, Phil Collins, Madonna), Bendik (Steps Ahead), Jimmy Haslip (Yellow Jackets), Katia Moraes…Slovenian artists: Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, RTV Symphony Orchestra, Katrinas, Darja Švajger, Magnifico, Neisha, Siddharta, Oto Pestner...
Rok’s latest energetic r&b/funk/gospel project with the group Soul Foundation is fascinating audiences all around the world.

I would like to validate the unique talents of Rok Golob and to express a need for those superb skills. I sincerely hope that anyone reading this letter will realize the unique value of Rok's skills (especially after hearing his vast array of eclectic music!) due to his age and much higher standard of work that is normally achieved only usually by a composer with many more years of experience, also I am unaware of any composer in the USA who has mastered the ability to be so eclectic. I have need of Rok's skills with upcoming projects to compose and record orchestras for interactive media.
Christopher Page - Composer/Producer/CD ROM Developer

As a composer of film and television music and as a recording artist, I am writing to highly recommend to you Rok Golob, an enormously gifted young composer. He is proving his talent professionally, having composed many film scores, and having written and produced music for CD's. He is continually expanding his skills, and with his talent and versatility, I foresee him as having a brilliant future.
Joe Harnell – Film & TV composer

Rok Golob demonstrated a superior ability to understand the delicate business of translating dramatic situations into music. I think that Rok Golob's combination of energy and his ability as a composer will serve with distinction those who obtain his services.
Elmer Bernstein – Composer of over 200 feature films, Oscar winner

Composer Rok Golob is a young musical genius, working with him on "The Story of Laxeno" has been a totally great musical experience.
Luis Conte - Grammy winner – percussionist

This young man is an extremely talented musician whose artistic abilities far exceed the normal average. I feel he has very much to offer the entertainment industry, in the ways of writing, performing and recording music.
Martika –Singer

Despite his youth, Slovenian composer Rok Golob has proven to be one of our most fascinating and highly admired musicians. So far he has not specialized in a particular type of music, but has been extremely active in various music fields. The works written for the symphonic orchestra were successfully performed and also recorded by the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also been involved in film and jazz-rock music production as its author, arranger and performer. His works reveal great talent and dedication to music.
Marko Letonja – Conductor, Program Director of Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra
SUSAN MASSENGALE
As a young child Susan always loved to sing. It all started when her mother placed her in the children’s choir at their church. She realized how much she loved to sing harmony. Since then she has always been a part of some type of singing group. She sang in numerous church choirs, spending time as a director in 2 of them.  She has been a part of several small women’s groups which, she believes, prepared her for becoming a member of Firm Soundation, a gospel group consisting of singers and a band.  As a member she has had the opportunity to sing at the famous House of Blues and BB Kings Blues Club.  Individually she has been a part of background vocals for notable artists such Andre Bochelli, Michael Buble, and Bee Bee Winans. She has also performed in different events with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nora Jones, Keith Richards, and Dwight Yoakam. Though most would consider these things noteworthy, she feels the best thing that has come from her singing experiences has been the opportunity to sing and minister outside of the walls of the church to the hearts of many who might not ever go inside.
SANDRA ADAMS
Sandra L. Adams (known as Sandy) was born and raised in Los Angeles, California as an only child. The gift of singing was given to her at an early age.  Growing up in the church, she was inspired by some great singers within the church.  Throughout her educational years in Los Angeles, she was always involved musically.  In elementary, she was a member of the school’s chorus, in junior high school she was the “first chair” violinist and a pianist in the orchestra and in high school, a member of the Chamber Singers. In the early 90s, Sandy formed and became Director of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Children’s Community Choir of Los Angeles, which consisted of children from other local churches within the L.A. basin. Sandy’s heart and soul for singing has always been gospel.  Her singing versatility also includes jazz and contemporary R&B which has landed her performances throughout Southern California and Europe. Music mentors in Sandy’s life are Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, and Natalie Cole. Sandy’s mother and her very “special” cousin LaCarol has continually been an inspiration and influence to her singing career. Sandy possess expertise in song writing, vocal arrangement, harmony and studio recording. She has accompanied artist such as Aretha Franklin, Bee-Bee Winans Yolanda Adams Emotions, Rollin Stones, Michael Buble, Kanye West, and have opened for artist such as Sheila E and Pete Escovedo. Aside from singing, other interests are traveling, tennis, fishing, coordinating events and most of all, spending quality time with her immediate family.
MAREE REED
Maree Reed has been singing since she was a child.  Her musical journey started in the church, but has branched out to reach many other places and people.  On Sunday mornings, you can find her at the world famous House of Blues Brunch in Hollywood, Anaheim, San Diego, or Las Vegas, where she sings Alto with her uncle, Ray Sidney and Firm Soundation, which is one of the most requested groups in the House of Blues line-up.  She has traveled around the world singing for peace with the International Children’s Choir.  Several of her fond memories are singing at the White House for the former First Lady, Hilary Clinton, singing in the Nile Children’s Song Festival in Cairo, Egypt, for their First Lady, Suzanne Mubarack, and singing “Heal the World” with Michael Jackson at the Super Bowl.
ALEXANDRA “Songbird” TAYLOR
Alexandra Taylor is “a girl with a huge passion and love for music.” Alexandra was introduced to the world in 1985 in Inglewood, California. Her parents knew early on that she had a passion for music. Which of course was no surprise to them, considering her father being a singer/songwriter, and her mother coming from a long line of singers. Seeing the interest Alexandra had for music, her mother began to expose her. At an early age she was put into the children’s choir at her church and that became her foundation.  She excelled so well in the children’s choir that her director moved her up to the adult choir. From that point on she was put into various programs including the Conservatory for the Performing Arts, where she was introduced to many genres of music including classical. She then ventured out into musical theater and was in numerous productions throughout high school, including her most prized role as Maria in Westside Story. Alexandra was then given the nickname “Songbird” because many people could not believe that such a powerful voice could come from such a tiny silhouette. Currently Alexandra is a member of Firm Soundation a gospel based group, that performs at the world famous House Of Blues for the Gospel Brunch. Also, she is pursuing a solo career. In the meantime she enjoys helping other artist with their projects and loves background work. She has been blessed to grace the stage with such artist as Andrea Bocelli, Sheila E, up and coming new artist J.D. Webb just to name a few.
God has truly blessed me with one of the most precious gifts in the world, the gift of music. Music transcends through so many barriers and speaks directly to the heart. I am so glad that I can share my gift and I hope that the world embraces it because it’s all done out of love. - Alexandra Taylor
MARCELLUS SMITH
Marcellus has been singing his entire life. He is an active member of "The Inspirational Voices of Free" headed by the spectacular Windy Barnes Farrel. This is a small choir that does special "gigs" around the Greater Los Angeles community and other surrounding vicinities. Marcellus has also had the pleasure of being part of Firm Soundation, a gospel group led by Mr. Ray Sidney. This group performs regularly at the House of Blues Gospel Brunch in Hollywood, Anaheim and San Diego. He has gained the bulk of his musical understanding from these two leaders (Windy and Ray) and is excited about furthering his musical philosophy under the tutelage of Rok Golob.
As a child Marcellus would close his eyes and imagine that he was singing in front of thousands of people. It has been a life long dream for Marcellus to be a part of a world tour expressing himself in song. And now, since teaming up with Rok Golob, he is finally making his dream a reality.
IVAN HICKS
Ivan L. Hicks, son of Mark and Carolyn Hicks, was born into a family of singers and musicians. He made his singing debut in his family's church at the tender age of 5. Following this debut, he began to sing numerous solos in many churches in Southern California. He has been blessed to sing all vocal parts and has a "gifted ear for music". Ivan has performed for a multitude of weddings, anniversaries, and parties. He has also performed for the NBA All Star Weekend in Phoenix, AZ. He has shared the stage with Kim Burrell, Donald Lawrence, and Ted & Sheri, all of whom are gospel artists. He is currently a BGV for up and coming soul/funk/R&B artist, J.D. Webb. He has opened up for Sheila E and Nikka Costa. Ivan is currently featured on the sophomore album of the Los Angeles Young Adult Gospel Choir of GMWA, under the direction of Elder Tony Jones. He is also a faithful member of Ray Sidney & Firm Soundation and Church of the Word Ministries where the Pastors are Henry & Alicia Pigee. Ivan's credited for his writing vocal arrangements for many, local,  Los Angeles artist, he is currently working on his solo project. His musical career goals include becoming an international voice known to cross cultural lines.
DAVID CLARK
David Clark grew up in New Hampshire in the 1970’s and was exposed to many styles of music in the Baptist church where his father was pastor.  He enjoyed many opportunities playing music at church, with family and friends throughout his schooling, performing in pop and rock bands, jazz big bands and gospel groups. He studied music in Pasadena, California under jazz greats Bobby Bradford (Ornette Coleman, John Carter) and George Shearing guitarist Dave Kuntz. In the studio, David has worked as producer with Slovenian singer/songwriter Andrej Šifrer, David Hidalgo (Los Lobos), Grant Geissman (Chuck Mangione), British and Country guitar legend Albert Lee and with one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 20 All-Time Guitarists - Richard Thompson. On stage, David has performed as guitarist with members of the world-renowned Irish band The Dubliners, with Stevie Wonder, original Ink Spots, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington bassist Harold Jackson, Michael W. Smith, Elton John guitarist Caleb Quaye, members of the Christian rock band Stryper and many other artists in the U.S. and Europe. In 2006 he helped assemble the praise and worship team for the Azusa Street Centennial Celebration in Los Angeles, attended by over 40,000 people, playing for worship leaders Robert Stearns, Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, and Matthew Ward. David is also a music faculty member at Life Pacific College in California. Currently David performs with Los Angeles Gospel group Firm Soundation at the House of Blues Gospel Brunches in Hollywood, Anaheim, Las Vegas and San Diego. He also performs an acoustic show with Grammy and Academy Award winning singer/songwriter Christopher Cross.
BRAD VINIKOW
Brad Vinikow has been playing piano since he was 9 years old. Today, comfortable with a wide range of musical styles on both acoustic piano and digital keyboards, Brad most enjoys playing jazz, blues and funk. He has performed as a solo artist around the world including tours in England, Germany, Italy and Japan.
As a music industry consultant and studio musician he has worked with Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, Michael Jackson and Barry Manilow among many others.
Brad views every performance as an opportunity to share his musical talents in a meaningful, heartfelt and passionate way. He says, “When I look out and see the physical and spiritual lift our music brings to the audience, I know this is what I am meant to do.”
STEPHAN GIBU
Stephan's musical journey started in Paris France where is parents took him to a "Earth Wind and Fire" concert. The spirit of that sound turned him to the drums at "C I M" a then music school in Paris where he played in local bands.
Always looking for that American sound, Stephan  enrolled at  MIT in Los Angeles  where he studied and played with then fellow students guitarist Frank Gambale, drummer Neil Symonette,  guitarist Scott Enderson and bassist Oscar Cataya.
This is where after playing on a bass during a performance class that Stephan got hit by the bass bug and joined Visions, a gospel group led by singers Ray Sidney and Laron Christopher. Went on to tour with Gospel singer Helen Baylor, singer Mavis Davis (Bette Midler) recorded with Johnny Graham (EWF), shared the stage with Stevie Wonder at the House of Blues, opened up for Sheila E with Firm Soundation a gospel group that Stephan plays for currently at the House of Blues in Hollywood, Anaheim and San Diego.
Now having the privilege of playing for Rok Golob is a blessing and a great learning experience where Stephan's dreams and musical adventures are a reality.
DARRELL JOHNSON
Drummer /Producer, Darrell “D. J.” Johnson brings a unique style of pop, R&B and gospel flavor to the musical world.  Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, D.J. has been playing drums since the age of three, playing on pots, pans and lampshades, until his parents fully recognized his talents and gift as a drummer and purchased him his first drum set. Growing up in the church he perfected the art of drumming and his talents proved noteworthy as they were acknowledged by the Wyland Foundation. As he developed musically he became the Little Rock Central High School Marching Band section leader, which led to the formation of his R&B Band, Groove 51. Their music is best described as R&B and Pop music. It was then that D.J began to express himself as a musical director and as a musician playing with the band. This development in music from gospel to jazz placed him on platforms playing for artist such as J.Moss, 21:03, Micah Stampley and Douglas Miller. After graduation he pursued his academic studies, but soon realized his passion for music was much more than a talent - a dream. He headed west to Los Angeles, where he currently resides, and began pursuing his dream and working with producers such as the Underdogs, Franny Franchise, Dewayne Swan and playing for artist such as Rhona Bennett of Envoge, Mike McCary of Boys II Men and Az Yet. D.J’s ear for music has been inspired by musical greats such as Michael Jackson, The Yellowjackets, Commissioned, John Mayer, Vinnie Colaiuta and Aaron Spears, just to name a few. Passionate for feel-good music, he currently endorses Soultone Cymbals and lives by the quote “As a man thinketh so is he”.
MATEJ RIHTER
Matej Rihter (1976) took up the trumpet at the music school in Škofja Loka, continuing in Ljubljana with Prof. Igor Marošević. In 1999 he graduated from the Music Academy in Ljubljana, finishing his postgraduate studies with Prof. Anton Grčar. Since 2002 he has been active in the Slovenian Horn Quintet and the Horn Trio BUM. He plays in different formations in the country and abroad, works as a studio musician and conductor for the Kranj Horn Orchestra and is a soloist for the RTV Slovenija Symphony Orchestra.
KLEMEN REPE
Klemen Repe was born on 18th August 1970. He started studying the baritone in Zg. Gorjah with Prof. Velkavrh, continuing at the Music and Ballet High School in Ljubljana, in class of Prof. Mišković, baritone and trombone. He started studying trombone in 1991 at the Academy for Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz, in class of Prof. Kleinschuster. In 1996, Klemen Kotar completed his Master’s degree with highest grades.
Since 1994 he has been working with the RTV Slovenia Big Band, being their lead trombone - soloist since 1997. He has been a member of the band “Gorje” since 1982, and a conductor since 2001. He has been a member of the ensemble “Gregorji” since it was founded in 1996.
KLEMEN KOTAR
Klemen Kotar graduated from the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz. He is a saxophone player and arranger in many Slovenian rock and pop formations (Jan Plestenjak, Neisha, Nuša Derenda, Zaklonišče prepeva, Big Foot Mama, Panda). He is also a member of the jazz rock group EJQ (Electric Jazz Quartet) and a permanent member of the TV group Mali ekrani.
He teaches at the High Music and Ballet School in Ljubljana, Department of Jazz and Pop Music.
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