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Congratulations to Nashville-based
guitarist/songwriter, Mark Robinson for a truly entertaining, engaging and very
well produced release. “Have Axe – Will
Groove” provides a collection of songs which will please any listener. I
was continually surprised as toward the variety of styles and hidden gems
within this set. Entertaining, engaging are words that could easily summarize
this CD. You will have to look elsewhere if you are expecting a boring
one-trick pony.
Drive Real Fast
kicks off the album with a lively, raw and rowdy boogie road song stylistically
hinting of Watermelon Slim. Robinson mentions that the song came to him quickly
and intends to capture “the distinctively American longing for freedom and
escape.” The lyrics paint a rebellious scene of chucking it all, tossing the
cellphone (and I imagine the responsibilities and hassles associated with it)
out the window of the car window and hitting the highway. Mark notes that this
is the attitudinal blueprint for the album.
Baby’s Gone to
Memphis continues the rat-rod pleasing vibe while showcasing diving tremolo
dives and fret runs sounding like they are jumping off of a big arch-top hollow
body supported by a solid bass line foundation (Daniel Seymour). A nice retro
piece.
Angel of Mercy is
a change of tempo which includes great lyrics, guitar riffs and structure
worthy of an undiscovered Otis Redding tune. The title is shared with other
song writers/performers such as Albert King ("Blues At Sunset"-1993, Stax
Records), Al Stewart (Famous Last Words), Dire Straits (Communiqué) but is distinctively and rightfully its own. This
is a well done and soulful personal favorite.
Robinson includes a Texas Swing/Jump style romp featuring
Ben Graves on saxophone
Broke Down
changes the mood with great fast moving and biting electric slide played in the
Johnny Winter style. The killer
harmonica playing of TJ Klay helps to compliment and complete the mood. This
cut had me hooked and bouncing the beat and then left me smiling and (dare I
say) broke down by the side of the road by its tight and sudden conclusion.
Robinson is not to be mistaken for a Johnny-come-lately.
This player has an extensive background and apprenticeship in the clubs of
Chicago, Nashville playing with top name players and technical/production
professionals. Pull My Coat may be
as much of a veiled reference to a blues man’s journey and struggle to be hip
and find out what’s going on as it is to woman.
Lifetime Prescription
harkens to a Gary Moore style haunting and deeply reflective slow blues tale
supported by tasteful application of backup singers (Vickie Carrico/Jonell
Mosseur) with space provided for a wonderful bridge solo. The strut and bump of
the New Orleans funk resonates throughout the fun tune Rhythm Doctor, co-written with Dave Duncan, (in one hour) gives the
listener another pleasant wake up poke. The ghosts of Joe Tex and James Brown
are indicated amongst terrific guitar playing, Michael Webb on Hammond organ
and harmonica talents of Rogue Ray LaMontagne.
The Doc Pomus written Lonely Avenue is covered and is one
cut where Robinson’s guitar work is allowed to stretch out a little more than
elsewhere in this collection. Mark mentions that he may not be the most
technically perfect player but plays from the heart. He proves himself soulful
and worthy of heart, soul and ability both in vocal and playing here. Good job,
indeed!
Top shelf and professional from performance, packaging to
solid A&R, thanks to Sue Havlish. Mark Robinson Voted 'Best Roots/Americana
Guitar Player' in The Alternate Root's 2nd Annual Readers' Choice Awards! I
look forward to more from Mark Robinson. This is a recommended buy.
