Steve Lukather in Concert in Paris!
Congratulations Mac McAnally!

John Robinson's new album "Platinum"

Jr

For John Robinson, one of the great things about being the most recorded drummer in music history is instantly recognizing a sure-fire hit when he hears one—or plays on it. The minute the Grammy winning musician laid down the groove on Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough” for producer Quincy Jones, he knew it would hit the top of the pop charts. Same thing When Russ Titelman first let him hear Steve Winwood’s multiple Grammy winning “Higher Love” and when he played on Eric Clapton’s “Change The World.” When Jones called Robinson to lay the rhythmic foundation for the historic “We Are The World” session, the drummer was aware it would sell millions and have an unprecedented global impact.

Realizing that he’s performed on hundreds of pop, rock, jazz and R&B albums that have a combined sales total of over 250 million units, Robinson boldly titles his new solo CD Platinum. He infuses the eclectic 11-track set, which he recorded at his Home Court Studios, with the same artistry and confidence that he’s brought for years to sessions and live dates with Rufus (he was a full time member from 1978-84), Barbra Streisand, David Foster, Frank Sinatra and Lionel Richie and hundreds of film score dates.

While drawing inspiration from the many genres he has worked in, “JR” showcases his multitude of talents beyond the drum kits, playing keyboards (including Fender Rhodes), guitar, bass and percussion. Robinson’s three plus decades of work on pop projects have somewhat obscured his background as first chair, classically trained bossa profundo All-State singer in his native Iowa—but he reminds us by adding his backing vocals on several tracks.

Emerging now as a top-level producer in his own right, Robinson recalls his work with Jones on multi-genre all-star classics like The Dude, Back On The Block and Q’s Juke Joint in building a creatively expansive 11-track set featuring a dynamic cast of musicians from across the spectrum. These include blues great Keb’ Mo’ and some of L.A.’s most notable fellow session players, including saxman Bob Sheppard, bassist Neil Stubenhaus, guitarist Michael Thompson, keyboardist Greg Mathieson, bassists Alex Al and Abe Laboriel, Sr. and trumpeter Walt Fowler, as well as famed “Blues Brothers” alto saxman Lou Marini.

Another longtime Robinson associate, Hawk Wolinski (who wrote the Rufus classic “ Ain’t Nobody”), contributes lead vocals, Hammond B-3, Rhodes and keyboards to various tracks. Robinson also follows in Jones’ footsteps by introducing to a larger audience several exciting emerging vocalists: Robbie Wyckoff, best known for his tours with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, who sings lead vocals on the soulful R&B ballads “You Understand,” “In Your Eyes” and “Ordinary One”; Amy Keys, who sings on “The Beat,” “Move Over,” “In Your Eyes,” “March Madness” and “Ordinary One”; and Callaway, who does a true star turn as lead vocalist on a powerful cover of the Janis Joplin rocker “Move Over.”

Robinson also keeps it all in the family by featuring his multi-talented 25-year-old musician son Chris (aka JJ Hennessy) as a vocalist on the explosive basketball playoffs tribute “March Madness.”

READ MORE at www.johnjrrobinson.com

Comments

The comments to this entry are closed.