Rob McLaren

Hi, and thanks for visiting rob mclaren dot CA, the website featuring Rob McLaren, the musician (that’s me). 

I am a musician and music teacher based in Winnipeg, MB. I grew up in Red Deer, AB,  and spent 15 years or so in Ontario before moving back to the prairies. I play guitar, banjo, fiddle, and steel, and I sing. I play in Union Duke and The Barrel Boys, and I’ve had the privilege of backing up the likes of Ken Whiteley & the Beulah Band, The O’Pears, Lynn Miles, The Fugitives, and lots of other fine Canadian folky friends of mine. I’ve been a session guy, road warrior, teacher, composer, bandleader, clinician, and church choir soloist. I like basketball and music played the right way, that is, interactively, as a group, with expression and improvisation rooted in strong fundamentals.

In 2019 I released my debut solo record Rob McLaren II. After so long as a equal partner or side musician, it was a new experience to be making all the decisions myself (along with my trusty producer Mike Ardagh). It was a great experience and I'm proud of that record. You can find it by clicking on the “Music” tab over on the left, and you can also see a probably mostly complete list of all the other times I've been recorded on something that's seen release. 

Hit the “Contact” page if you want to ask about taking lessons, about a gig, or about my favourite tunings on lap steel or banjo. Follow me on instagram for gig updates and string noodlings (including my very niche annual arrangement of a christmas carol for lap steel). Thanks for visiting, and hope to see you at the next show! 

Thanks, 

Rob