Brandy Robinson

From Tennessee by way of Hawaii, singer-songwriter Brandy Robinson's new CD shows an artist straddling folk and rock. She plays mostly acoustic music on her release, but with an alt-rock edge to it.

It's her singing that anchors this CD. A nice combination of naturally attractive pipes and some solid technique make putting the spotlight on her singing a solid move. She's got a blues singer's ability to use her voice for both melody and rhythm; she doesn't scat, but she does bounce hard on the beat with her voice on some songs, and it's a pretty neat effect. There's some jazz in her singing, too, her ability to stretch the beat, to hold a note. And there's some real dexterity, an ability to jump all over the scale without ever once missing.

Her singing reminds more than a bit of Rickie Lee Jones and Joni Mitchell. Her songs aren't to that point of comparison yet, but they're solid enough to giver that voice of hers a nice workout.

---- Jim Trageser

Staff Writer ~North County, San Diego - Jim Trageser

After hearing Brandy Robinson sing and play, you know she's on the right record label- GuitarMama Records. That is exactly how I would describe Robinson, a mama who can belt those soulful lyrics and move you with her guitar playing. She's not only a wonderful musician, she also has a great personality. She was very encouraging when I approached her about an interview. I promise you that if you like good, funky, and full of soul music, you will love Brandy. Let's check out what she had to say.

SM- Introduce yourself....tell me the basics, who, what, where and when.

BR- Brandy Nicole Robinson born in Knoxville, TN. Moved at the age of 19 to Portland, Or then to Hawaii, then to Boston, then to Charleston, SC. Needless to say I'm not just from Knoxville. I have lived with many cultures and have grown from every experience.

SM- Wow, no wonder you're so cool! Okay, next question, describe your musical style.

BR- I would say it mixes funk, soul, hip-hop, jazz, and rock all together to form a very unique and entergetic show. I love performing live! I have played guitar for about 15 years. I learned by doing it myself and I still hardly know music theory or what chords I'm playing. I prefer it that way.

SM- That is amazing, I love your style. You know, my dad taught himself how to play the guitar and he's amazing. He couldn't read music to save his life! Anyway, next, who are your major influences?

BR- When I was young it was anything on the radio but as I grew I got into Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, Ani Difranco. Mostly very soulful artists that had a positive message. I try to write very positive although sometimes not everything in your life is positive.

SM- You know, I thought of Joni Mitchell and Ani when I first heard your music. Okay, what do you do for fun?
BR- I surf, snowboard, skateboard, and wakeboard. I play with my two dogs Marley and Nesta. I LOVE to cook and make up new recipes. I always said if I wasn't on the music path I would have gone to culinary school. I love to travel and meet new people. I also help run a music venue in Knoxville, TN called the World Grotto so I always get my music fix by seeing live shows and helping to bring them to town.

SM- Very active I see! That's wonderful. Okay, since I know you're a busy lady, here's the last question.Tell me about your very first show and any funny memories you might have looking back.

BR-My first show was a music showcase/conference in Richmond, VA. I was chosen to play in a coffeehouse and looking back how much I have changed. With music you are always evolving and I'm not a coffeehouse singer/songwriter any longer. Although I love coffee ;) There are many times when I wanted to give it all up but what fun would that be!

SM- Yeah, I'm super happy you didn't give it all up!
- Sara Martin

Knoxville's Brandy Robinson sports a husky voice and some formidable guitar chops. Whether knocking out some pretty acoustic runs on the song "Traveling Mercies" or nasty electric riffs on the song "People That Walk By" or some soulful funk on "Inspiration," Robinson delivers with skill and taste.
While her main vocal style is a tough-woman blues snarl, Robinson is far more distinctive when she softens her punch and gets a little more playful. If some of the songs on "Beautiful Graffiti" are an indication, Robinson has the potential to step out of the pack.
- Knoxville News Sentinel

Her travels have served her well — over the past several years, Robinson has grown more confident in both her performing and songwriting ability. Drawing on her experiences as a modern-day gypsy, she draws intricate portraits of people, places and emotions in her songs, interweaving them with a tapestry of acoustic guitar and her lilting, breathy vocals that turn them into sonic poetry.

- Steve Wildsmith

"Brandy Robinson is a breath of fresh air. Her music is as adventurous as her travel itinerary. Her music is all that and more with her self-described "Funky-Folk Fusion". Robinson is a definitly a talent to watch." - Steve Morris

"As she picks through intricate patterns on her guitar, Robinson's voice purrs across lyrics that ponder the highs and woes of life in America. In conversation or on stage, Robinson's outspoken confidence and sense of social consciousness are evident." - Leslie Wylie