Have Axe - Will Groove Releases February 2013

Reviews for Mark Robinson
“QUIT YOUR JOB – PLAY GUITAR”
Debut album on Blind Chihuahua Records (2010)


10 Best Blues-Rock Albums of 2010
—Rev. Keith A. Gordon, About.com Blues

A Best Blues Album 2010 —Blues Van

Best Artist Debut Album &
Best Debut Artist (USA) 2010
—Blues Underground Network

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“The strong point of this CD is Robinson’s versatile guitar playing, which drives his thoughtful and passionate songwriting and tough vocal style. … He wields a nasty slide along the way … It’s a tasty first effort … with plenty of style and sass.”
—BLUE NOTES

“Excellent debut ... a nuanced mix of blues, soul, and twangy roots-rock in its grooves. ... serpentine guitar play ... Expect big things in the future from this 'self-employed' singer/songwriter.”
—BLUES REVUE

"An outstanding new album ... very special and very cool. Mark Robinson simply ROCKS."
—ROOTS MUSIC REPORT

“Top quality blues guitar … This white boy sure can play the Blues, and not just Chicago Blues, but Country Blues, Juke-joint Blues, and my very own favourite, Rhythm and Blues.”
—MAVERICK

“Beautiful guitar solos …[The CD is] full of great songs …“
—ROOTSTIME

"Almost a brilliant album."
—BLUES MATTERS!

"The career advice in the title applies nicely in [Robinson's] case, thanks to his ability as a songwriter, vocalist and particularly as a guitarist — lap steel, dobro, you name it."
—CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

“You just gotta respect a guy who walks it like he talks it, and blues guitarist Mark Robinson speaks loudly and walks a straight line. … I would heartily recommend the album, a fine collection of blues-rock, Chicago blues, roots-rock, and Memphis-styled soul.”
—Rev. Keith A. Gordon, ABOUT.COM BLUES

“ … scorching guitar work … Just give him a guitar, give him The Blues, give him a lyric he believes in, and Mark Robinson can bring it with the best of them.”
—MUSIC NEWS NASHVILLE

"A gem of an album ... really fine Guitarist, Writer, and Vocalist ...Highly recommended, thoroughly enjoyed."
—BLUES UNDERGROUND NETWORK

"Revealing a strong musical intelligence, the Nashville musician stays front and center ... a focused, expressive guitarist ..." —DOWNBEAT

“Mark Robinson … brings an eclectic mix of styles to this, his debut album … He evidently practiced what he preached in the album’s title … and this first effort suggests he may not have made a bad move. Best track for me was the stomping Toussaint-New Orleans-styled ‘Backup Plan’. We’ll be hearing more of him, methinks.”
—Brian Smith, R2 ROCK’n’REEL (UK)

“Roots-based blues, Americana, rock … all Mark Robinson. His musical soul is poured out on the Memphis-inspired balled ‘Try One More Time,’ with Johnny Neel on the B-3 and great backup vocals by Vickie Carrico and Tracy Nelson. … This CD is for blues lovers everywhere.”
—NASHVILLE MUSIC GUIDE

“Robinson rambles, strums, picks and packs Blues, Americana, Soul, Zydeco, Roots and Rock into his songs … the man is a natural guitarist, his playing an extension of his soul. … Vocally, his gruff growl brings the blues to all it touches … Throw out the alarm clock and start tuning.”
—THE ALTERNATE ROOT

“’Back in the Saddle’ [is] close to the best Stones, Bob Seger work ... ‘Backup Plan’ [has] a great New Orleans groove. ... ‘I Know You’ll Be Mine’ [is] a great example of juke joint, groove blues ... This CD turns the roots-based blues, Americana, rock landscape into an undertaking not to be missed.”
—ROOTSVILLE

“Hard-hitting, emotionally charged music that strikes the heart. Well written originals and well chosen covers—immaculately played, well orchestrate … melds blues, rock, soul, country and more for a sound that is fresh as a spring breeze.”
—BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

“Mark Robinson has himself one hell of a debut disc here and if it should be heard by the right ears, he could possibly have himself a ‘Best New Artist Debut’ nomination come the 2011 Blues Music Awards.”
—PETER “BLEWZZMAN” LAURO, Blues Editor, Mary4Music.com

"Robinson is a master on the guitar ... a great debut release ... 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."
—BROKENJUKEBOX.com

“A soulful tour of American roots music’s hot spots … Mark’s erudite guitar … narrates the journey.”
—TED DROZDOWSKI, Guitarist, Songwriter, "Keeping the Blues Alive" Award-Winning Journalist

"Mark Robinson ... isn't looking back ... his music spans a much broader spectrum of music than just the Blues or the music that Nashville is traditionally known for. This musician and songwriter is most definitely not a 'one trick pony.'"
—Ken Utterback, NASHVILLE MUSIC EXAMINER

"A super-kool collection of self-penned, co-written and cover songs that match his musical talents. You can hear the seasoned honesty in his voice and feel the razor's edge of his guitar playing on every track.”
—BOB CHEEVERS, Austin Singer-Songwriter, New CD: Tall Texas Tales

“A talented and versatile sideman … walks out of the shadows and into the spotlight as a leader … It’s evident that Mark belongs in that spotlight.”
—TAD ROBINSON, 5-Time Blues Music Award Nominee, Severn Records Recording Artist

“This aptly titled solo debut release … proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams—a soulful collection of roots/blues.”
—KAREN LEIPZIGER, KL Productions, “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award-Winning Publicist

“Great musicianship. … Every song has a clear intention, and I am impressed by how nicely the production choices enhance them: a little Muscle Shoals here, a little Chicago blues there. This CD is a testament to how much you love music and how much you’ve listened to it.”
—TOM ROZNOWSKI, Artist, Songwriter, Emmy-nominated Producer, “Hometown” Public TV

“Adeptly mixing the blues with rock-and-roll and a tint of country … drawing upon its real roots. Mark’s studio band is tight, his original songs are heartfelt and catchy, and the production is first class. ‘Sleepwalk’ alone is worth the price of the CD.”
—RANDY McNUTT, Independent Producer, Author Guitar Towns: A Journey to the Crossroads of Rock ‘n’ Roll



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