RICH ROBINSON
''THROUGH A CROOKED SUN''
OCTOBER 11 2011
61:43
1. Gone Away /4:46
2. It's Not Easy /4:26
3. Lost And Found /4:27
4. I Don't Hear The Sound Of You /6:09
5. Hey Fear /3:44
6. All Along The Way /4:36
7. Follow You Forever /6:48
8. Standing On The Surface Of The Sun /6:22
9. Bye Bye Baby /5:38
10. Falling Again /4:23
11. Station Man/Danny Kirwan, John McVie, Jeremy Spencer /4:23
12. Fire Around /6:00
Tracks By Robinson, Except 11
Karl Berger /Metallophone, Piano
Larry Campbell /Pedal Steel
Warren Haynes /Guitar (Acoustic), Slide Guitar
John Lindberg /Bass (Upright)
John Madeski /Keyboards
Joe Magistro /Drums, Percussion
Steve Molitz /Keyboards
Rich Robinson /Bass, Guitar, Organ, Vocals
Dana Thompson /Vocals
Adam Widoff /Keyboards
REVIEW
by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
So enamored with the ‘70s he’s decided to revive the decade all on his own, Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson can certainly create a vibe by stitching together remnants of the past. Equal parts Santana, Stones, Allmans, and acoustic Zeppelin, Through a Crooked Sun meanders amiably even if the music is largely reflective, not cheerful. Like Paper, his 2004 debut, this is decidedly a players record, but where that album felt overstuffed with guitars, Through a Crooked Sun relies on textures, all unveiled at a measured, mature pace. Robinson is an affectless singer, something that undercuts the introspection of the lyrics, yet his music has color, alternating from extended interpolations of the back half of “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” to stark, ringing folk, all punctuated by Southern rockers that ramble instead of rush.
BIOGRAPHY
by David Jeffries
When the Black Crowes either broke up or went on indefinite hiatus (it depends on who you ask and sometimes when you ask), guitarist Rich Robinson spent a few months with his family at home, figuring out what to do next. There were some deaths in his extended family that just added to how strange it was adjusting to life without the Crowes, and how strange it was to be working on projects without his brother, vocalist Chris Robinson. He ended up building a studio in his Connecticut home and worked on his production chops. New avenues were opening, too, with Robinson composing the soundtrack for the 2001 film Highway while seriously working on his painting for the first time since the Crowes had formed.
In 2003, he formed the four-piece band Hookah Brown, which toured a bit before Robinson realized he couldn't stand band politics any longer. Going it alone meant singing lessons, since the guitarist had never handled lead vocals. It took one lesson for Robinson to realize his technique was all wrong, but it built up his confidence and renewed his interest in releasing an album. Playing everything himself but the drums, Robinson soon had enough for an album. Joe Magistro took care of the drum parts, then guest appearances from ex-Crowes keyboardist Eddie Hawrsch and BR5-49's Donnie Herron were added, and the album was done. Robinson released the result, Paper, in August of 2004 on his own Keyhole label. Shortly afterward in 2005, the Black Crowes reunited and had a successful run of records, beginning with an acoustic duet with brother Chris called Brothers of a Feather in 2007. The next year, the Crowes released the full-length Warpaint, which was succeeded by the double-album Before the Frost...Until the Freeze in 2009. Two years later, the Crowes went on hiatus and Robinson released his second solo album, Through a Crooked Sun.
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