Rob Van Sante

Born in the Netherlands and now based in his adopted home town of Leeds, Rob is a guitarist of exceptional skill and subtlety and also an excellent lead and harmony singer. He began playing the guitar at an early age and as his interest in music developed, he became influenced by folk, rock, R&B and blues. During the 1970's, 80's and 90's he toured extensively throughout Europe and he has also played in North Africa and the Middle East. He has worked with such stalwarts of the British Folk and Jazz scene as Danny Thompson, Jon Strong, Tom Napper and Tom McConville.

In recent years Rob has lent his ears to the Battlefield Band as their sound engineer for both live and recorded work. He continues to accompany them on all their tours as their 'fifth' member and when not on the road with the band, or at work in his recording studio, he can often be found playing as part of a duo with Alan Reid (Battlefield Band's singer and keyboard player) at live gigs and on studio recordings.

As well as fine interpretations of traditional and contemporary material Rob also writes songs on topical issues and his own experiences. His collaboration with Alan showcases the pair presenting a seamless fusion of both the old and the new traditions, featuring Alan's compositions, Battlefield Band favourites and Rob's own songs.

In 2002 Rob and Alan released their own album 'Under The Blue', which also features the talents of their friends Alasdair White, Tom Napper, Mike Katz, Roy Whyke & Alistair Russell. You can find out more about this album at:
www.reidvansante.co.uk

Rob appears on a track on:Battlefield Band - Time & Tide (Temple Records COMD2090)
& and on another track, together with Alan Reid, on: Various Artists - The Portraits & The Music (Temple Records COMD2093)