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James Robinson
"The 12th of 13 children, Silicon Valley raised virtuoso James Robinson was blessed to have the guitarisma in his DNA, with six of his eight brothers playing guitar and offering him a wide array of inspirations and access to top instructors from an early age. Legendary three-time Grammy winning hard rock/metal maestro Steve Vai once gushed of Robinson’s multi-faceted talents for Latin, World, Jazz, Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Rock, “He’s phenomenal,” and he should know. Vai signed him to his Favoured Nations Acoustic label for the release of Colours in 2005. Larry Carlton expressed “James is an extraordinary talent that deserves to be heard.”
Over 15 years later, Robinson quite literally marks New Beginnings with his deeply intricate yet infectiously melodic, playfully grooving and accessible debut for Innervision, The generous 14 track set (which includes three unique, rhythmically shifting three-movement tracks, “Cascal,” “New Beginnings” and “Bronze”) is a flamenco fans’ romantic dreamscape, full of speedy runs, easy loping mid-tempo tender mercies, spirited strumming, snappy percussive fire and – saving perhaps the most intricate expression for last on “Sophia” – gently lilting balladry.
Vai said of New Beginnings, “He is sounding just phenomenal on this record and his chops, tone, note choice, phrasing are all quite stellar.” But don’t take Steve and Larry’s word for it - experience these transcendent New Beginnings for yourself!"
Source: Jonathan Widran, JWVibe.comAwards
KKSF Sounds Sampler: Best of 2004
Gear
Hill Guitar Company: Signature Concert Classical, New World, Flamenco
Flammang Guitars: New World Signature
PRS
Fender Stratocastor
Mesa Boogie Lonestar, Fillmore 50, Mark V
Tags
“James is an extraordinary talent that deserves to be heard.” Larry Carlton
“He’s phenomenal!” Steve Vai
"James Robinson’s new record New Beginnings” is an exceptional display of virtuosic guitar playing. He is sounding just phenomenal on this record and his chops, tone, note choice, phrasing are all quite stellar. It’s rare to hear someone that has such authentic acoustic chops, also able to sound great on a screaming electric guitar, and he's that guy." Steve Vai
"...a fabulous improvisational jazz guitarist" Art Thompson, Guitar Player Magazine