It's a new world for Bruce Robison
Friday, August 8, 2008 – Bruce Robison, who has enjoyed hits with acts like Tim McGraw and the Dixie Chicks, is putting out a new album in September. "The New World" is due out Sept. 2 on Premium Records.
Robison has penned Top 10 singles for Faith Hill & Tim McGraw ("Angry All the Time"), and George Strait ("Desperately," "Wrapped"), and "Travelin' Soldier" become a number one hit for the Dixie Chicks in 2003.
The new release contains 10 songs. Last year, he released an EP "It Came From San Antonio." "The Full, Wild America" was recorded in Robison's custom-built Austin studio with family and friends lending a hand. His wife is singer Kelly Willis.
Members of the Willie Nelson Family Band, Paul English and Mickey Raphael, contribute drums and harmonica respectively. Fellow Austin songwriter Kevin McKinney contributes guitars, vocals, bass and drums to various songs on the album, assists in production and even offers his own composition, "Hanging On Hopeless," which Robison sings.
Among the songs are the bright sounding country back beat of "The New One," the soul balladry of "Bad Girl Blues," the stripped-down rockabilly drive of "Twistin'," and The Band-like "The Hammer."
More news for Bruce Robison
CD reviews for Bruce Robison
His Greatest
Fortunately, Bruce Robison doesn't use the word "hits" in naming this package of 10 songs. Some actually were hits, only not for him. Instead, Robison re-records songs he previously released, in effect, in order to get ownership back of the songs. Robision released several albums through Sony before striking out on his own. His greatest success came as a songwriter, and his enormous skills are on display here.
The tall Texan does not have the emotional delivery of Natalie Maines »»» |
The New World
Bruce Robison isn't an artist to joyously consume because of his singing voice. It is plain, though obviously functional by professional standards. But this Texas native really should labeled a songwriter/singer instead of the other way around. His songs are more spot-on real than Todd Snider, the performer with which his own world view is most closely aligned. Robison doesn't so much pull the listener into his own world as make that person believe he's been watching him. »»» |
It Came From San Antonio
Bruce Robison does music on his terms. He releases an album - this is a seven-song EP - every so often, tours some, sometimes with wife Kelly Willis, and writes songs for others.
While not exactly having a high profile career in his own right, Robison's music remains strong. He always sings well, with sufficient grit to avoid being overly smooth and certainly avoids being tagged a songwriter who writes great songs, but can't really sing them. He easily infuses songs the right sense of »»» |
Editorial: American Idol's Carrie Underwood can sing –
If anyone saw the Super Bowl – what a great great game that was – they would have heard American Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood sing the National Anthem. Underwood did with her voice what Kelly Clarkson did last week with her written words – give it to Scott Borchetta, the head of Big Machine Records,, who tried defending Taylor Swift by knocking American Idol performers. »»»
Concert Review: McBride, Adkins shine sometimes –
As Martina McBride pointed out, the pairing of the country singer with Trace Adkins on their current jaunt was surprising. After all, she's of diva-quality voice, petite, non-controversial unless you call singing songs that empower women controversial. Adkins, on the other hand, has not been afraid to speak his mind with a kick butt attitude.... »»»
Concert Review: Eilen Jewell wears her musical hats well –
Eilen Jewell wears a lot of musical hats. The Idaho native, who now lives in Boston, fronts the Eilen (ee-lin) Jewell Band, a pretty much traditional country band. She's a member the Sacred Shakers, an octet doing gospel country with a country beat. And she has yet another project, Butcher Holler, covering Loretta Lynn songs.... »»»
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