Music
Press
"One of the interesting things Robinson does with his music is to bring humor to the blues. While the sound is bluesy, the lyrics present a new take on the blues song. Titles like 'Even Jesus Had the Blues' and 'If I Could Marry My Guitar' hint at Robinson's brand of humor. And it's apparent when you talk to him that he is truly having the time of his life."
- The Montclarion
"One of the interesting things Robinson does with his music is to bring humor to the blues. While the sound is bluesy, the lyrics present a new take on the blues song. Titles like 'Even Jesus Had the Blues' and 'If I Could Marry My Guitar' hint at Robinson's brand of humor. And it's apparent when you talk to him that he is truly having the time of his life."
- The Montclarion
"Even those who don’t adore the blues will enjoy hearing Michael Robinson’s Band. When most people hear the word 'blues' they think of sorrow and pain. They certainly don't think 'funny,' and Robinson shatters that notion with his humorous tunes."
- The Davis Enterprise
"Even those who don’t adore the blues will enjoy hearing Michael Robinson’s Band. When most people hear the word 'blues' they think of sorrow and pain. They certainly don't think 'funny,' and Robinson shatters that notion with his humorous tunes."
- The Davis Enterprise
"With on-the-edge story telling, this CD is gritty, delivering Robinson's biting blues riffs, expressive vocals and a whale of a backup band."
- San Mateo Times
"With on-the-edge story telling, this CD is gritty, delivering Robinson's biting blues riffs, expressive vocals and a whale of a backup band."
- San Mateo Times
Ring your mates to say you'll be there by 9 and turn this cd up while you're getting ready. It's got to be what's on in the car -- and don't forget to take it into the party with you. ROCK 'N ROLL! ...with some great bluesy riffs (you can hear the Robinson-Nitro collaboration and it is smooth, man, smooth). And dig the contrast of MAR's vocals with the back-up artist. Hot stuff there. Catchy, sexy, wicked-funny tunes that keep you coming back. You'll love it, all night long... ***** - Amazon.com
Ring your mates to say you'll be there by 9 and turn this cd up while you're getting ready. It's got to be what's on in the car -- and don't forget to take it into the party with you. ROCK 'N ROLL! ...with some great bluesy riffs (you can hear the Robinson-Nitro collaboration and it is smooth, man, smooth). And dig the contrast of MAR's vocals with the back-up artist. Hot stuff there. Catchy, sexy, wicked-funny tunes that keep you coming back. You'll love it, all night long... ***** - Amazon.com
"Robinson's style of roadhouse blues and roots rock features catchy tunes, gutsy vocals and clever lyrics. The disc's range of styles and rhythms goes from the Chuck Berry-driven 'If I Could Marry My Guitar' to the B.B. King-inspired 'Even Jesus Had the Blues' to the Americana feel of 'Halfway to Mexico' and the roots vibe of '30 Days Late.' The blues are alive and well in Oakland." - Oakland Tribune
"Robinson's style of roadhouse blues and roots rock features catchy tunes, gutsy vocals and clever lyrics. The disc's range of styles and rhythms goes from the Chuck Berry-driven 'If I Could Marry My Guitar' to the B.B. King-inspired 'Even Jesus Had the Blues' to the Americana feel of 'Halfway to Mexico' and the roots vibe of '30 Days Late.' The blues are alive and well in Oakland." - Oakland Tribune
"This CD sounds great, and FEELS good to listen to it, whether on the road, hangin' by the pool or just kickin' back with friends. It's got a great vibe, orignal sounds, clever lyrics--my personal favorite: 30 Days Late!" ***** - CD Baby
"This CD sounds great, and FEELS good to listen to it, whether on the road, hangin' by the pool or just kickin' back with friends. It's got a great vibe, orignal sounds, clever lyrics--my personal favorite: 30 Days Late!" ***** - CD Baby
"Your CD 'Playing in the Dar'k made its debut on our radio station this evening and we received great reviews from our listeners. 'Playing in the Dark' will be made part of our music rotation." -- Mike bernard, Heartofrock.com - Heart Of Rock.com
"Your CD 'Playing in the Dar'k made its debut on our radio station this evening and we received great reviews from our listeners. 'Playing in the Dark' will be made part of our music rotation." -- Mike bernard, Heartofrock.com - Heart Of Rock.com
"Michael calls his music, 'Roadhouse Blues and Roots Rock.' That's exactly what he delivers on his new CD, Playing in the Dark. The bluesy first track 'Full Time Lover' sets the stage for a wide-cultured collection of originals that keeps us true to our roots. I really like the unique and edgy 'Wishful Thinking,' the soulful 'Even Jesus Had the Blues' and the impressive improvisations during 'Why Don’t You Say Goodbye.' The last track, 'Heads You Win, Tails I Lose' is an upbeat celebration that finishes a traditional anthology of styles that I would like to see more of. Playing in the Dark should do very well." -- Blues Review.com - Blues Review.com
"Michael calls his music, 'Roadhouse Blues and Roots Rock.' That's exactly what he delivers on his new CD, Playing in the Dark. The bluesy first track 'Full Time Lover' sets the stage for a wide-cultured collection of originals that keeps us true to our roots. I really like the unique and edgy 'Wishful Thinking,' the soulful 'Even Jesus Had the Blues' and the impressive improvisations during 'Why Don’t You Say Goodbye.' The last track, 'Heads You Win, Tails I Lose' is an upbeat celebration that finishes a traditional anthology of styles that I would like to see more of. Playing in the Dark should do very well." -- Blues Review.com - Blues Review.com
Discography
Playing the Dark, a full-length CD released in the summer of 2006.
Photos
Bio
Armed with a new CD co-written with local legend Johnny Nitro, Michael Robinson is rapidly becoming a force in the Bay Area blues scene. Indeed, Michael and his veteran band mates are gigging steadily throughout northern California, earning rave reviews for their fun-filled, up-tempo live show.
The band headlined San Francisco's Biscuits and Blues, voted America's number one blues nightclub, and Oakland's Eli's Mile High Club, known as the "home of the West Coast blues," and also appeared at the Art and Soul Festival in downtown Oakland.
Michael performed at festivals in downtown Benicia and Davis to enthusiastic audiences. Both cities immediately booked the band for return engagements.
His new CD, "Playing in the Dark," features unique originals that received airplay throughout the U.S. and Europe. Known for a wide range of styles and rhythms, the disc also attracted media attention, garnering major profiles in local papers, two of which put stories about his music on page one.
Not bad for a guy who didn't learn to play the guitar until he was 35 and didn't start on blues until he was 44. An award-winning former journalist and published author, Michael formerly fronted the alternative rock band the Tabloids but embarked on his blues career after learning the craft from Nitro.
Michael's other major influences include Albert King, Billy Gibbons, Freddie King, George Thorogood, Tommy Castro, Jimmie Vaughn and Howlin Wolf.
Today, Michael says he is the most fulfilled he has ever felt in his musical career. That relaxed sense of confidence permeates "Playing in the Dark" and his live show. Michael sounds like a man who is having the time of his life -- and he is.
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