Alex J. Robinson

That pretty blonde from the Ontario Tourism commercial is forging a name for herself, and Alex J. Robinson’s second album, The Getaway (set for release in February 2010), will confirm to her rapidly growing audience she’s a woman with a powerful voice and a talent to match.

While more and more TV viewers were being captivated by Alex’s rendition of the province’s signature song, There’s No Place Like This, the Sudbury native has been hard at work writing and recording the 10-song follow-up to her debut, Never Say Never. That disc spawned 4 singles, one of which made it to number 7 on CMT's Cross Canada Countdown.

Alex describes the new CD as hopeful, positive and more mature—looking beyond that songwriter standard, romantic relationships. It was co-written with partner Tim Thorney (producer for Alanis Morrisette, Jimmy Rankin and others). The two met while Alex was in her mid-teens doing voice-over work in the studio. Though Alex’s sole instrument is her voice, it doesn’t stop her from finding the melodies that ring true and she and Tim have honed a great creative chemistry.

“He lets me explore different sides of myself,” says Alex, citing the track “Girly Girl,” a sassy little number about asserting one’s independence and being proud of whomever you choose to be regardless of judgment.

Among the other up-tempo tunes on The Getaway is Mindemoya, a hum-along story that will tap into listeners’ reminiscences of teenage summer fun and first crushes. Alex’s childhood at the family cottage near Manitoulin, Ontario flooded back after the passing of her beloved grandfather and inspired the song to honour his memory.

Driving Into the Sun is an enticing story of escape with a loved one, “Driving until the morning light, talking and dreaming about our new life” and Possibilities delivers another positive punch for the legions of Alex J. Robinson fans.

One of Alex’s favourite new tracks is somewhat autobiographical. Don’t Give Up is a “simple, soft story of exactly where I’m at as a singer”, not to mention a timely message given the state of the economy lately.

Traditional country stalwarts never fear, though. There are still a couple of good ol’ hurtin’ songs on this album, notably the fiddle-infused I’m Alright, the country-rocker Halfway Over Him (“halfway through the day I’m free, but when the sun fades away and the night begins, I’m halfway over him”) and the classic, poignant ballad Learning How To Love Someone.

The other major player (literally) on The Getaway is Brent Mason, a veteran country guitarist straight out of Nashville who’s worked with luminaries Alan Jackson, George Strait and Alex’s personal favourite, Shania Twain. Mason is a 12 time winner of the Academy of Country Music Guitarist of the Year Award and a two time winner of the CMA Award Musician of the Year.

With much live performing under her belt since the last CD (“I still can’t believe I was on the same stage as Randy Travis and met Kenny Rogers—I learned so much watching how they work the crowd”), Alex is set for the next round of touring. Her band, led by musical director Kevin Birch and consisting of Ali Raney on fiddle, Doug Johnson on steel, Corey Lacey on guitar, and Nick Czarnogorski on bass all "love the songs and that is very encouraging."

“I just want to keep playing more and more,” says Alex. “I’ve done 2 consecutive performances at the CCMA’s (Canadian Country Music Awards) and opened for some pretty big acts. Last year I was nominated for the top new female talent at the CCMA’s so my confidence has really grown.” Country music fans can be confident that The Getaway will make them happy to hear more.