I'm a solo artist - I played most of the instruments on my CD, "Exotic America", with guest appearances by fingerstyle guitarist, Pat Kirtley, multi-instrumentalists Dennis Caplinger and Tripp Sprague, my talented bro', Doug Robinson, and several other friends...
I've also been priviledged to play in various bands with a bunch of great folks, including the late, great Mike Condello, Michael Steele (Bangles), and the fantastic slide guitarist, Scott Colby.
Influences
The following people, places and things have inspired me: The Beatles, Kinks, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Brian Eno, Terry Riley, David Schnaufer, Harry Partch, Mark Twain, David Sedaris, Steve Martin, Andy Warhol, Dagmar, The Earthlings, Doug Robinson, Jazzooo, Charles Ives, John Prine, Dave Edmunds, Weisstronauts, surf music, Torrey Pines State Beach, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, Taylor Guitars, Hugh Tracey, my G4 Powerbook, Six Feet Under, Tai Chi, yoga, Kauaii, big waves and the sweet scent of night-blooming cactus blossoms...
Sounds Like
Here are some quotes from reviews of my recent CD, "Exotic America":
John D'Agostino, Wood&Steel -
"When I was a music critic for the LA Times, people would ask what criteria I use in
determining whether music is "good". I listen for originality. When I listen to Andy Robinson's
music, I'm visiting a musical space occupied only by Andy."
George Varga, San Diego Union Tribune -
"...a seamless blend of Western and Eastern folk stylings that are rich in warmth and charm..."
Kathryn LaMar, The Folknik -
"...an incredibly fun, upbeat, infectiously optimistic-feeling CD. Highly recommended for anyone willing to explore both music and their own imagination."
Kronosonic.com -
"...fans of pop will love the hooks and compelling melodies, and the more adventurous of us will appreciate the multiplicity of colors, timbres, and oddities in the mix. A solid A effort."
Simeon Flick, San Diego Troubadour -
"It's easy to forget that this is an instrumental album; the melodies and solos are engaging, performed on instruments that one would hardly think belonged together. Exotic America is a melting pot of cultural diversity stirred in the cauldron of joy."
I play a combination of acoustic instruments, such as kalimba and mountain dulcimer, mixed with synths and more traditional "rock" instrumentation, to create music that sounds like...well, like life! That's the way I hear it, anyhow. I've been in numerous bands (an extensive bio is posted at www.andyrobinsonmusic.com), but for the past several years I've concentrated on recording my compositions, solo, or with the occasional guest player (I just had ex-Zappa sideman, Mike Keneally, add some guitar to a song I'm working on, for instance.)
If I had to sum up my current approach (which has been called everything from "world fusion" to "folk rock on LSD"), I'd put it this way: who are we, really, to tell music how to sound? I think it's a lot more fun to listen to what music is saying, and then help it to say what it wants.
Does that make sense to you? Yeah? Cool. No? Oh well...
Either way, it's probably best just to listen!
Just stopping by to say hello and give you some news. The new album 'Coolgilly and the Freakshow' from Centascope is now available worldwide from CD Baby and directly from the merchandise page of the official website. You can also get the album from Apple iTunes, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon and many more.
The new album 'Coolgilly and the Freakshow' from Centascope is now available worldwide from CD Baby and directly from the merchandise page of the official website.
You can also get the album from Apple iTunes, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon and many more.
I know your still around because I hear that you've been seeing some songwriting friends of mine. Will you be at Cosmo's on the 11th to cheer Soooze on? I hope so....long time no see.
We hope you don't mind if we inform you that our 'PUNK OPERA: 'CHELENNON' album is finally RELEASED and AVAILABLE !!! It's based on John Lennon political and rare songs and interviews. If you are interested to learn more about this concept album just visit our myspace or the following website:www. ilemusic. com Thank you for your support!!! The OZ from St. Petersburg, Russia
Aww man sorry about that, I wasn't sure if I dialed incorrectly, or if my phone was disconnecting. The thing with our rehearsals is... they are pretty sporadic...VERY actually heh. no joke. HMM it would be fun though to record something nice quality with your expertise. And be definitely cool to see you again.
Andy my dulcimer man extraordinare.....whats cookin. Long time no hear. It's been way too long since I got a chance to hear what your doing these days. You are always so full of surprises. I'm still thinking about that Kalimba polka.
hey my friend saw your profile and thinks you look hot! she is new to myspace but wants to chat with you on msn messenger her name on there is emily22green@hotmail.com
Got yer mix CD today. Lord knows when I'll be able to give it the serious listen it deserves, but I'm thrilled to get it. Just like old days, eh? Here are a couple of pix of Prescott Granite Dells where I take my walks. This is right where the railroad used to go back in the old days...
Hey Andy.....just droppin by to say hello and see what your up to........and maybe even when the next "practice in the park" is. I hope all is well. Take care, Tara
Hey Andy....it sure wuz fun hanging out in the park with you all. I sent a few pics to your other e-addy....I hope you got them. Let me know when you will be doing another Kalimba King for a Day in the Park....See ya Saturday at Sooze,
Tara
