On his third disc from Severn Records, Tad Robinson puts his stamp on the soul side of today’s blues scene with Back in Style. Taking inspiration from the great sounds of Stax and Hi Records, Robinson literally oozes soul with his testifying delivery on the eight originals and two covers on the new CD. Tad is backed in style by Kevin Anker, Alex Schultz, Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns, Steve Gomes and Robb Stupka, among others

 

Otis Clay is on record as saying that when Tad Robinson dies he’ll be “going to soul heaven,” and he’s not kidding. Robinson has one of the richest and most powerful voices in soul and blues music, and this album is not only a triumph of pure singing, but of old-school arranging and song choice as well. The fist thing you notice, of course, is Robinson’s rich and chesty, rough-but-sweet voice, an instrument that he can use virtuosically but chooses to wield with restraint. The second thing you

 

Inspired by distinguished soul/R&B singers such as O.V. Wright, Z.Z. Hill, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Otis Clay (who provides backing vocals on two tracks) ex-Dave Specter vocalist Robinson turns in a spectacular performance on his third solo outing. Passionate and emotional, Robinson shifts from classy soul to relaxed blues and easygoing pop (he resurrects the Cornelius Brother and Sister Rose’s chart hit, It’s Too Late To Turn Back Now” with stunning results). The legendary Willie Henderson (

 

Robinson’s second album on the legendary blues label, Delmark Records, marks his commitment to Chicago blues and soul with equal doses of each. Backed by veteran players Alex Schultz (Rod Piazza, William Clarke, Hank Ballard), Kevin McKendree (Delbert McClinton), Marty Binder (Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Albert Collins) and Harlan Terson (Lonnie Brooks, Otis Clay), Robinson is in his element both singing from the heart and blowing harmonica from the soul.