Album Review : Mark Robinson : Quit Your Job, Play Guitar

Jul 31, 2010 Album Reviews
Posted by Adam

Quit Your Job, Play Guitar, advice that seems to have worked out pretty well for Mark Robinson. Unfortunately for most of us with a lack of six string ability, that would result in homelessness.

Robinson, originally from Bloomington, Indiana spent many years playing guitar as a sideman for various acts while still working that day job. A few years ago he quit that day job and moved to Nashville to play full time. Since arriving he has played on studio sessions, done some producing and songwriting, taught guitar and most importantly focused on songwriting and fronting his own band.

The results of which can be found on this great Rock n Roll infused Blues record. This album was a breath of fresh air in my Blues loving lungs, especially in a week that Rolling Stone ran a revue of Cyndi Lauper’s “Blues” record (which I  have not heard, but the thought makes me nauseous).

Robinson is a master on the guitar and delivers a formidable vocal performance on this album which consists of  mostly originals. The album feels very Chicago Blues with a modern twist and a little Delta and Southern Soul  thrown in for good measure. Robinson shows that no style is safe around him and  it’s a great driving album (I know I say that a lot but that is an important test for an upbeat album to pass in my book).

I have a few favorites including, “Memphis Won’t Leave Me Alone” which is one of the songs that embraces the slide and a modern Delta sound. A story of a small town kid who is enticed by the sights and sounds of Memphis.

“The Fixer” is a slow Blues jam where the narrator is the solver of all problems and has a great feel. Robinson sings in a way that shrouds his meaning in mystery and lures us into wanting “The Fixer” to come help us out. Along the way he wraps some winding guitar riffs around the words further solidifying the sound and feel of the song.

Finally “I Know You’ll Be Mine” is a pretty straight forward song that follows the Blues formula lyrically and spiritually. Very few words, lots of repetition, and truck loads of emotion give this song it’s kick and damnitt she will more than likely fall for it and be his.

This is a great debut release from a guy who has obviously put in the work over the years to gain the respect of listeners, critics and his peers. So many times people leave that day job to be a musician and really it wasn’t a good idea, well in this case the world should be happy that Robinson has not only decided to make music but write some songs and give us a great record to listen to.

Find Mark online on his website www.markrobinsonguitar.com .

Tags: album review, Mark Robinson