[purchase]
The former
drummer for San Diego progressive rock band Horsefeathers, and L.A. cult groups
Elton Duck and Invisible Zoo, Andy Robinson is now a purveyor of an
experimental Americana sound. His 2004 debut solo album was called Exotic
America. Then in 2011, he released “Music Bucket,” that refers to the pail
lowered into a well and the musical surprises it holds when pulled back up.
Besides some
vocals, the multi-instrumentalist uses an arsenal of tools including mountain
dulcimer, guitar, synthesizer, percussion, lap steel, kalimba, toy xylophone
and harmonica. By far, the most whimsical piece is "Cartoon,"
dedicated to Zal Yankovsky. According to the liner notes, that track even
includes "various junk recorded at the Blue Moon Bunny Farm,"
tastefully incorporated into the mix.
Three other tracks
("The Golden Feather," "Surge," "November Too") use
loops to impart a Zen-like flow and upwelling to the music. Robinson demonstrates
that he not only carries a song inside but that he has found a successful
recipe for unlocking the door and sharing his discoveries.
Music Bucket
features guests Mike Keneally (electric guitar), Carlos Olmeda (vocals), David
Ryan Norgren (vocals), Dennis Caplinger (fiddle, mandolin), Tripp Sprague
(sax), Jamie White (bass), PJ Bovee (bass), Coco Brown (bass), Nicki Elledge
(vocals), and Doug Robinson (bass). Chuck Elledge, Allison Boles, Mick and
Cynthia Garris add voices to the opening cut, "Yeah." Andy closes the
project with "The Open Door," the song's genesis evolving from solo
kalimba to a transcendent statement that seems to encourage exploration,
innovation and adventure. That's the organic nature of his music that resonates
with character and emotion. Tapping his heart's spirit, Andy Robinson's music
bursts forth with a shout from the soul.
You've got to
appreciate any instrumentalist who has fun with his compositions. “Cartoon” is
such a piece that is full of quirky fun and melodic frolic.
On a non-musical note, Robinson is also involved in improv comedy and currently performs on two teams (Coincidence? and Tribal Luminescence) in San Diego. The teams take audience suggestions and make up spontaneous plays based on them, discovering the humor that usually lies hidden beneath all of our ordinary day-to-day human relationships. It will be fun, and you will laugh!
On a non-musical note, Robinson is also involved in improv comedy and currently performs on two teams (Coincidence? and Tribal Luminescence) in San Diego. The teams take audience suggestions and make up spontaneous plays based on them, discovering the humor that usually lies hidden beneath all of our ordinary day-to-day human relationships. It will be fun, and you will laugh!
