John Gros

Papa Grows Funk

 

        Jimmy Robinson at Carrollton Station, Thanksgiving weekend in New Orleans. Jimmy closed his brilliant solo acoustic guitar set with a version of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” I still can't figure out how he played ALL the parts, strings, synth, guitar, vocals, bass with just two hands and a pick on an acoustic guitar. Mindboggling is what it is. Somebody's got to make this guy famous.

 

 

 

 

by Cody Daigle

 

 

For local fans of the New Orleans music scene, Christmas is coming a few weeks early.

Stanton Moore and Jimmy Robinson, two Big Easy musicians with big reputations, are headed to Lafayette in support of their latest recordings.

Stanton Moore at Grant Street Dance Hall

Jimmy Robinson at Artmosphere

 

 

 

 

Each of the 10 tracks offers a little something different from the next.  Kicking things off with the country flavored "Big G," with a distinct Dixie Dregs feel, and a very enjoyable solo section featuring the guitar and keys in unison.  The horns make their first appearance in "Bone Wars," showing off the bands complex songwriting without sacrificing feel or melody.   "Little Blue" shows how adept the band is at going from tight complexity, to a more loose feeling jam and making it all sound natural.  Robinson kicks things off with fluid hammer ons and pull offs, making way for a jazzier keyboard solo section.  Although Robinson's guitar is often featured, there are plenty of moments featuring the keyboards or horns.  Laying down a hot groove for the appropriately titled "Funk Tune," this is the showcase track for horns, guitars, and keys, all getting the chance to step into the spotlight.

 

 

By Craig M. Cortello

Twangorama The disparity is striking – rarely does such a wealth of talent and such a dearth of ego grace the same musical stage. Twangorama is part mutual admiration society, part comedy and above all, one of the greatest collections of guitar virtuosos you’ll see on one stage. Jimmy Robinson, longtime Woodenhead frontman and the hardest working man in show business (according to his colleagues), is the ringleader of this six-string showcase. Twangorama is a five-piece band anchored by Phil deGruy, Cranston Clements and the aforementioned Robinson, three of the most enduring and accomplished guitarists of the New Orleans music scene. Woodenhead veterans, bassist Paul Clement and drummer Mark Whitaker, comprise the band’s rhythm section. The band’s repertoire is skewed toward rock, but during a recent performance at Carrollton Station, elements of jazz, pop, blues and even Celtic were also clearly audible.“Pop 40 Goes the Weasel,” a medley of samplings of 40 songs in less than three minutes, was an insightful opening number. The freedom that three guitars give to the ensemble provides great latitude to the players and gives a certain fullness to their sound. The meticulous synchronization of their fretboard mastery is a delight for guitar aficionados. xxIn fact, during one song, Clements and Robinson ran harmonized licks while deGruy plucked octaves, essentially providing a rare 4-part harmony of guitars. deGruy’s astounding myriad of chord voicings often provided a more sophisticated backdrop than is typical of a rock band and Phil demonstrates that he’s equally adept on the six-string as he is on the guitarp, the unique 17-string guitar/harp hybrid instrument that he usually dons for solo performances. Clements shines on a stirring rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” a bluesy minor tune which plays to the band’s strength, and there are plenty of tradeoffs of solos to appease all of the players. During a recent interview, Robinson noted the Fab Four as one of his early musical influences.xx“It was the Beatles really for my whole generation as far as playing guitar and getting into a band. But the real guitar thing was Hendrix. That’s when the whole picture changed.”He recalled meeting Clements at free “concerts/love-ins” at Audubon Park in the ‘60s that were a regular Sunday event. They had recorded some and played an odd gig together, but never formally got together until Twangorama formed.

 

Friday, April 26th, 2008

Longtime Woodenhead and Twangorama electric guitarist Jimmy Robinson establishes his acoustic guitar bonafides on "Vibrating Strings." His playing is rich, lyrical and fluent throughout. His Spanish detour "Pepi" and elegy for late Bonerama bass trombonist Brian O'Neal are gorgeous; his solo acoustic "Kashmir" is a revelation. Bonerama helps reinvent Jimi Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary"; Theresa Andersson contributes voice and/or violin to three songs; and Susan Cowsill sings on "I Can't Believe It."

"It took some getting used to, but it leaves all my fingertips free," he explains. "Cranston liked it so much he started using it."

 around darkness, fear, and loss. Robinson has referred to these themes as “true stories” which have coalesced into 17 compelling, often tragic songs. One is simply titled “Pain,” and the track “Drinking Buddies” is based on a childhood friend of Robinson’s who lost a battle with alcoholism. The album is emotionally charged, but Robinson’s passion and verve allows the heavy subject matter of his music to command the listener’s attention without seeming overwrought.

 

What would Freud say about Jimmy Robinson? Nothing—Freud’s been dead for 70 years. What would I say? That I was left with the impression that, along with the rest of us, Katrina hit Robinson hard, and, as a capable musician, he’s been able to translate that into heartfelt, virtuosic musicianship. Amid the frenetic chords of “Darkest Part of the Night,” Robinson sings, “Night falls on you hard and fast / An avalanche, a hurricane blowin’ through the room / Buries you deep in dark / In that secret place where you always Hide your heart....”           by Johnathan Katz

On the CD are a few solo spot pieces so you can hear each player on his own, helping you kind of get a sense for their style and pick them out among the ensemble tracks. Twangorama have given all us guitar nuts something to really sink our teeth into and enjoy here. This is expertly played, rustic guitar fusion of the highest caliber, and a CD that guitar lovers will want to return to over and over again. Bravo guys!

 

 

Jimmy Robinson is best known as the frontman for the bands Woodenhead and Twangorama, and as a frequent collaborator with Susan Cowsill on her Covered in Vinyl show series. His debut solo CD, Vibrating Strings is a departure of sorts, Robinson showcases his vocal talents in this intriguing collection that alternates between singer/songwriter and acoustic guitar virtuoso instrumental. With reflections on past relationships, Hurricane Katrina, and departed friends, the artist gives the listener the sense that this CD was the result of a swelling reservoir of emotional material inevitably spilling onto disc. The result of that cathartic process is a revealing look at Robinson’s introspective journey. There are few as adept at developing interesting acoustic chordal variations, and this CD is a comprehensive demonstration of those talents. Robinson provides frequent reminders that he can rock, and versions of Jimi Hendrix (“The Wind Cries Mary”) and Led Zeppelin (“Kashmir”) cover songs round out the collection nicely. Theresa Andersson, the Bonerama horns, and Cowsill make notable contributions to the recording. –Craig Cortello

Jimmy Robinson
Vibrating Strings
(s/r)

Taking on a Jimi Hendrix cover is an ambitious goal for any guitarist, for the weight of mythology as much as the intimidation of skill. So it says something about the character (and chutzpah) of guitarist Jimmy Robinson that on his solo debut, he cheerfully takes on the legacy of the psychedelic shredder with a cover of 'The Wind Cries Mary," and makes it his own, with lovely, low and mournful horns (courtesy of Bonerama) and a drawn-out starkness that turns the textured, emotional track into a deconstructed, meditative jazz funeral. A veteran of both the local guitar supergroup Twangorama and Susan Cowsill's band, Robinson is a 12-string whiz and a former classical guitarist, so his chops are impeccable. To his credit, he never lets his virtuosity stand in place of personality. Most of the tracks on Vibrating Strings are complex, rootsy and spare " just Robinson's slightly raspy vocals and thundering picking " with a power that recalls Richard Thompson and haunting, dark-country emotion reminiscent of Neko Case. The inclusion of covers like 'Mary" and Led Zeppelin's 'Kashmir" are almost like the winking Easter egg of the album, revealing the breadth of Robinson's skill.

Guitarist Jimmy Robinson flies solo on new CD

 

 

Throughout his long career with rock-fusion band Woodenhead and guitar collective Twangorama, the electric guitar has served as Jimmy Robinson's main ax.

But during a monthlong Hurricane Katrina evacuation to Memphis, Tenn., he rediscovered the acoustic guitar, the instrument at the heart of his classical music studies at Loyola University. As an unknown entity in Memphis, it was easier to find solo acoustic gigs than a band in need of another electric guitarist.

"I realized that's a format I really love, " Robinson said. "You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You can rehearse as much as you want, then get in a car and go play a gig. You make the musical decisions, and you take the lumps."

That period of rediscovery motivated Robinson to complete his first-ever acoustic solo album, "Vibrating Strings." He'll showcase much of it on Friday, July 25 at Carrollton Station and the afternoon of July 26 at the Louisiana Music Factory. For the Carrollton Station show, he'll mix and match onstage with fellow Twangorama guitarists Cranston Clements and Phil DeGruy, percussionist Michael Skinkus, cellist Mark Paradis of Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, and Beth Patterson on bouzouki.

On "Vibrating Strings, " Robinson's playing is consistently rich, lyrical and fluent. A Spanish-style detour called "Pepi" and "Brian O'Neal, " an elegy for the late Bonerama trombonist, are especially sumptuous. Another highlight is his acoustic reimagining of Led Zeppelin's ageless "Kashmir, " a song he has rendered with "psychobilly" combo Little Queenie & Mixed Nuts, Woodenhead and Twangorama, among others.

"I realized I could probably play 'Kashmir' alone, " he said. "No matter the format, people go crazy for it. That song can go from one guitar to a giant orchestra and it always sounds great. You could bang it out with spoons and pennywhistles and people would still love it."

Robinson is not always alone on "Vibrating Strings." Theresa Andersson's voice or violin appear on three songs. Susan Cowsill sings on "I Can't Believe It." Bonerama helps reinvent Jimi Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary."

The most surprising guest is Robinson's own voice. In the early years of Woodenhead, he sang following the departure of the band's vocalist, Angelle Trosclair. But for two decades, Woodenhead has focused almost exclusively on instrumental music. So, too, Twangorama.

On almost half the songs on "Vibrating Strings, " Robinson casts himself as a singer-songwriter with a breathy voice not unlike that of Austin guitar hero Eric Johnson. He also admires the singing of Richard Thompson and the phrasing and inflection of Fairport Convention's Sandy Denny. His pleasant tone belies the lyrics, which catalog a friend's fatal alcoholism, among other grim subjects.

"The stories are real stories about people I knew; they are the truth, " Robinson said. "But I need to balance that out a little bit. I have a few tunes about my wife that are upbeat."

His unconventional guitar technique -- he wears a thumb-style pick on the index finger of his right hand -- is the product of necessity. Years ago, he developed a condition called carpal dystonia in the middle finger of his right hand. It causes the tendons to contract involuntarily, especially when he plays guitar or piano. Wearing a pick enables him to bypass the condition.

"It's not even in the equation any more. I think it has allowed me to progress beyond where I was when this started."

Robinson continues to perform with Twangorama and, less frequently, Woodenhead. He also contributes to Cowsill's monthly "Covered in Vinyl" renditions of classic albums at Carrollton Station. And, increasingly, he performs solo.

"It's a pure, wonderful guitar sound. From an expression point of view, it enables you to pretty much do whatever you want. I like the idea of being able to do complete pieces alone. There's something real satisfying about it."

And there are certain practical advantages to flying solo.

"I don't have to wait for Cranston and Phil's jokes to go by, " Robinson said, laughing. "It's an efficient way to work."

 

 

 

 

"Vibrating Strings" is out on the Twangorama label and hosts a few more New Orleans' legends. The Twangorama Band, for those who don't know, features New Orleans' legends Cranston Clements, Robinson, and Phil deGruy.

17 songs are expertly packaged on this fine compilation of all original material, except for covers of Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary" and Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir." The fact that Robinson soulfully pulls off acoustic versions is testimony to his talent, emotion and just plain old excellent musicianship. Robinson is nothing short of brilliant on this CD. It as if some old master or Hendrix himself morphs into Robinson as he plays.

Reviewers have been speculating whether the album's darker moments, such as 'Pain" and "Drinking Buddies" are Katrina related. Anyone who knows New Orleans and has experienced the music scene there post-Katrina would not even bother to ask that question. Katrina permeates the entire arts scene there, and to speculate is not to understand the devotion artists have to their beautiful Crescent City. There is no one who has not experienced a personal loss as a result of the storm. These musicians are warriors and soldier on in spite of it all.

This CD is great, but better yet, if you are in New Orleans go see Robinson live. He is a treasured fixture on the local music scene.

Expect a packed house of 250 patrons, so make plans to arrive early and check out what The Ogden has to offer--and it has a lot to offer. In the uncertain days following the catastrophe named Katrina, the Ogden was one of the very few public institutions that remained open and fighting for the uncertain future of New Orleans. Musicians have always been partners for and with the Ogden, and Robinson's appearance there is a fitting tribute to the tenacity of all who remained.

 

Henk te Veldhuis

 

Jimmy Robinson  “Vibrating Strings” 2008

 

Jimmy Robinson all his life played on an electric guitar in bands.

Now the acoustic debut CD from this guitarist from New Orleans

called “Vibrating Strings” is a showcase of as well solo guitar cuts,

as singer/songwriter material. 17 songs are on this fine CD of all

original material, except for covers of Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary"

and Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir."  The voice and resemblance of

composing have a lot in common with for instance Crosby, Stills

Nash and Young and Jackson Browne. The guitar skills of Robinson

are appealing with lots of good strumming patterns and fine solo

guitar. A Spanish-style is found on the cuts "Pepi" and "Brian O'Neal.

“Pain “, and “Lost Time” show the influences of CSNY or CPR. On “Long Slow Fall”,

Rain and “Lost Time” Jimmy Robinson  is wonderful

assisted by Theresa Anderson on violin and vocals. “On The Wind

Cries Mary” The Bonerama Horns do on excellent job on trombone.

Robinson excels in creating great atmosphere with a fascinating

voice and fine guitar skills, using fine percussion on the guitar. The

17 tracks are a proof of his versatile approach to music.

 

© 2008

 

 

 

GUITAR ARMY

Twangorama's CD was a long time coming, but the experience has tightened the musicians' bond

New Orleans Times-Picayune

Friday, June 08, 2007

By Keith Spera

Music writer

In 30 years, progressive fusion band Woodenhead has managed to release a scant six recordings. So it's no surprise that Twangorama, guitarist Jimmy Robinson's other main vehicle, took nearly a decade to issue its first official album. That pace, Robinson admits, "is really pathetic. But everybody has a million other gigs, and we've never been full-time at it."

After numerous personnel changes, the Twangorama lineup has finally solidified with Robinson, Cranston Clements and Phil DeGruy on guitars, backed by drummer Mark Whitaker and bassist Paul Clement. That stability finally cleared the path for Twangorama to record and release its self-titled debut CD.

The band celebrates the new "Twangorama" with a show tonight at Carrollton Station divided into both acoustic and electric sets. Twangorama is also featured at Thursday's early-evening "Ogden After Hours" show at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

Robinson, DeGruy and Clements rank among the most versatile and proficient guitarists in a city not necessarily known for guitar heroes. As teenagers, Robinson and Clements performed at "love-ins" along the lakefront in the late 1960s. Robinson met DeGruy while attending Loyola University.

But they never joined forces in a formal setting until Robinson was asked to assemble a band for a Jazzfest-week gig in the mid-1990s at the old True Brew coffeehouse downtown. In addition to Clements, whose résumé includes stints with Boz Scaggs, Dr. John and the Neville Brothers, and DeGruy, who deploys a custom 17-string combination guitar-harp and a merciless sense of satirical humor, the original Twangorama lineup featured Scott Goudeau and Lu Rojas on guitars.

 

from Where y' at Magazine New Orleans April, 2007

By Craig M. Cortello

 

  

 

     An intriguing collection that alternates between singer/songwriter and acoustic guitar virtuoso instrumental....a swelling reservoir of emotional material .............

  

 It’s an album of goodbyes as he deals with loss, but dark lyrics are often balanced

What a pleasantly surreal way to wake up late for Daylight Savings.

The series will also feature Craig Klein on trombone, keyboard king Joe Krown, harpist Patrice Fisher, Cajun Johnny Sansone, singer/songwriter Susan Cowsill and trumpet legend Leroy Jones.

New Orleans Jazz Festival

Lagniappe Stage, 3:10PM
Twangorama

    Twangorama has become well known throughout New Orleans over the past several years.  Its members, however, have not only been known, but respected and sought after for much longer.  Jimmy Robinson, leader of the progressive rock band Woodenhead, formed string-heavy Twangorama in the late 90s.  Robinson partnered with his friend Cranston Clements, and then teamed up with Phil deGruy.  Any one of these gentlemen is arguably the best guitarist in the city, but together, they are indisputably the best collection of string pickers in the South.  The band’s talent doesn’t end there, as it is rounded out with Robinson’s Woodenhead bandmates bassist Paul Clement and drummer Mark Whitaker.
    The band’s performances have been described in blogs as a “guitorgy,” which may be one of the more apt descriptions.   The collective virtuosos compose and arrange original work, but also take over classics from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin.  Even their “covers” are inventive and original.  Meticulously coordinated melodies and synchronized harmonies of the guitars will stun even the most particular of guitar aficionados.  Twangorama’s originality extends to their instruments as well.  Phil deGruy occasionally plays a 17-string guitar/harp hybrid.
    Don’t be surprised if a special guest or two shows up to join Twangorama’s set.  Guest artists are frequent at the band’s Thursday night Carrollton Station shows, including Dave Malone and Camille Badouin of the Radiators, Astral Project’s Tom Dagradi, and guitarist June Yamagishi.  Clement alone has performed with artists such as Dr. John, Boz Skaggs, George Porter, Jr. and Irma Thomas, to name a few.  In a nutshell, New Orleans born and bred Twangorama should be on every guitar lover’s must-see list for Jazz Fest.
–Rick Stedman