Tad Robinson
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Tad Robinson began making a name for himself nationally after landing in Chicago where he took over as vocalist for Dave Specter & the Bluebirds. Their 1994 Delmark disc, "Blueplicity", was a gem and the label granted Robinson his own album later that year. "One to Infinity" found Robinson deep in soul territory as did "Did You Ever Wonder?" cut for Severn in 2004.
Robinson's sound is soulful and contemporary with a nod back to the classic Stax, and HI Records sound, drawing inspiration from singers like Sam Cooke, O.V. Wright and Johnnie Taylor among others. Robinson's not an imitator and certainly is his own man particularly evident on a record that features mostly original material. Robinson alternates between a soft, soaring voice and a grittier approach and the album's sophisticated arrangments are designed to bring out the best in Robinson's multi-layered voice. Willie Henderson's (Chi-Lites, Jackie Wilson, Tyrone Davis) rich horn and string arrangements plus textured percussion by Victor Williams really go a long way to making this project so succecful. In addition to a rock solid rythm section we get some ever tasteful guitar from long time collaborator Alex Schultz. The slinky "Long Way Home" sets the tone with Robinson's self assured, strutting vocal enveloped by some subtle horns and percussion. "Up And Down World" is bluesy number with slight country lilt that has Robinson sounding quite a bit like Otis Redding while "Broken - Hearted Man" is a smoldering, vintage blues number with some B.B. King inspired guitar from Schultz. Robinson tackles Johnnie Taylor's "Ain't That Lovin' but comes across sounding more like Sam Cooke while other high points include the the throbbing "When You're Ready" and the funky, off kilter feel of "More Good Then Bad" with it's hypnotic interplay between guitar and percussion and soulful harmonica from Robinson.
Tad Robinson is in the best tradition of white soul singers like Tony Joe White, Eddie Hinton and fellow contemporary singers like Billy Price and label mate Darrell Nulisch. Robinson has yet to release a sub par record and "A New Point of View", a lovingly produced set of contemporary soul with a strong nod to the music's classic period, is another winner. -- Jeff Harris