Hi! Welcome to my MySpace website. I am starting to see this as being my official website because I update it everyday and have an ongoing blog that has become important to me. If not official, certainly much more personal, which seems pretty official to me. If I want the scoop on a singer I like? I want the inside track, you dig? Although If you want the bio, reviews, downloadable photo, links to the venues where I work, some poetry, mailing address and such, please visit my other website at Jenniferrobin.com.
If you are new to my crib and don't know anything about me....well, I first started playing piano and guitar around age 10. I had a hippie piano teacher that I thought was the bomb because she would show up at my lessons in a cool mini skirt, had really long hair, and her husband would sleep out in their station wagon for the hour. It was the 60's man! I lived in Taos, New Mexico at the time which was a beyond words magical kind of place to grow up. I also took a few Spanish guitar lessons from a very magical teacher named Jenny Wells Vincent. She is legendary in those parts. So that along with my parents love of Classical, Jazz and Folk, set me on the musical path I am on now. I have the feeling I got some of my Mom's highly musical gene material as well.
For many years I was bucking big time for the record deal and got a couple too. I was offered a couple of nice deals in Japan. The first in 1991 on Denon/A&M called "Fish Up A Tree" and then in 1996 "Eye Of The Storm" on Pony Canyon. I was treated to 2 trips to Japan to make appearances, get a bunch of attention, and drink a whole lot of Japanese beer. Both CDs got very good reviews and "Fish" especially got a lot of pampering and airplay. I was a lucky girl.
In 2000 after a divorce and losing my Mom, I recorded "Nonodey" and started my own label called Risky Robin Records. My Pop used to call me Risky Robin inspired by an old Pete Seeger song. So the name stuck. I felt like I was getting closer to the more intimate and less produced sound I was looking for, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 months after it's release. Needless to say I had to shift gears. You never know what form your humbling life lesson, opportunity, challenge will come in. Well that was mine. I got very sick then got very grateful.
Since that time, I have bought a house, sold that house, gotten breast reconstruction, gotten rid of the construction, asked for a job at Hooters (flat as a board, I did!), gone back to school to study art, lost my Dad and have had several fun and very interesting boyfriends, but all the while singing at all kinds of new venues in Los Angeles.
In 2007 the cancer came back and was pretty darn pissed. OK. Now what? I am learning to live with cancer and ongoing treatment. But mainly, seeing what an extraordinary gift my life is. Every day I wake up with problems mixed in with incredible joy. I currently rent a little room in a house in a lovely part of LA, but in August 2009 I will be moving back to the place I feel most connected to, New Mexico. After 23 years in LA, I feel like it's time to return to the BIG skies and open space.
But back to music. In May '09 I am recording a CD for the first time in 10 years. The CD called "Lemonade" is going to be a collection of songs I've written through my two walks with cancer and an intimate production adding just another guitarist and a little percussion. I also hope to record my versions of some of my favorite Beatles songs in the not so distant future. I am more grateful now then ever for the gift of my friends and music in my life, and continue to perform on a regular basis. You can check my show listings above for any upcoming dates. Oh, and please visit my online store at cafepress, there you will find fun every day items with my designs on them. And a portion of the proceeds will go to the Wellness Community in Pasadena. They are a wonderful non-profit organization that supports cancer patients and their loved ones. Just click on the green and white link below.
Joey Alkes of Alkes-Fradkin & DJ Monkey, co-author of the Plimsouls' classic "Million Miles Away" with Wife Filmmaker Patricia Cunliffe (A Language of Passion) on...- The LONDON GARCIA Show - THIS SUNDAY AUGUST 30 AT 3PM (PST)! http://www.latalkradio.com/London.php
When I listen to your music-I realize that you are like a gifted gypsy.That you are able to translate that gift so wonderfully and clearly is always cause for celebration.One in the many. Larry
Hey JRo- Thanks so much. I went on a limb this time and mixed it myself:) I feel like this album really has a vibe and a consistency. Always learning! Can't wait to hear yours!! Hope all is well, my dear.
Hello! Just wanted to drop in and let you know that pre-orders for my new jazz standards album "Bittersweet" are now taking place! The first 100 pre-orders will receive a signed copy! Release date is set for May 19th, but you will get your copy a few days earlier! Kate and I are very excited about the record, and we can't wait for you to hear it. Head over to www.bittersweetthealbum.com to pre-order! Thanks! ~Mark
Happy rain day! Don't you just love the rain. I go out of my way to play in it. I also have plastic finger nails now...got the idea from you and Steve Oliver. TLP
we will be there at 12 to help you if you need it. she told me that the kids have been talking about Thunder and lightning. i told her that is one of your songs but may not be appropriate. L/w
HAPPY NEW YEAR JENNIFER ! I AM WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST THIS YEAR AND ALWAYS ! LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT INSPIRING YEAR OF HEARTFELT, MEANINGFUL MUSIC THAT LIFTS THE SPIRITS OF SO MANY THAT WILL NEED COMFORT AND COMPASSION ! YOU AND I AND SO MANY OF US CREATIVE SOULS WILL BE SO CRUCIAL IN THIS ENDEAVOR
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