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Blues Underground Network Frankie's Blues Mission "Sleepin' Dog" |
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Frankie’s Blues Mission has been working on the Atlanta blues scene for more
than a decade now, and its present lineup of singer-guitarist Frank
“Frankie Lee” Robinson, bassist Kermit Maxwell, and drummer Alfonso Largo
has been together four years. This is their first recording, but it
shouldn’t be their last.
From the echoes of fellow
Georgian Johnny Jenkins’ distinctive guitar chords in the first bars of
the opening original I’m So Lonely Since You’re Gone, there’s a sense that
this group has something special going for it. There are six more
originals on tap, of which the minor-hued Lyin’ Thinkin’, the strutting
title track, and the soulful I Need Me Some You sport Robinson vocals,
while the other three are instrumental features for his guitar and
producer/engineer Martin Kearnes’s keyboards, with the Jenkins influence
surfacing again on the aptly titled Soul Shuffle and more of a jazz feel
on Blues for K.C. and McDaniel Street. The cover selections are all well
done, as the slow blues Five Long Years and When a Guitar Plays the Blues
(from Robinson’s mentor Roy Lee Johnson) bring out some of Robinson’s most
emotive singing, Woke Up This Morning brightens the tempo and Who’s Been
Talking provides a perfect vehicle for Robinson’s shimmering guitar lines
and his mates’ skin-tight backing.
Unlike the typical “no
label/no number” vanity disc, Sleepin’ Dog boasts a fresh sound firmly
rooted in, but not bound by, local tradition. It’s not just the same old
blues, and deserves to be picked up for wider release.
(Excerpt from LIving Blues
On-line)
About Frankie's Blues
Mission
“Frankie Lee” Robinson — Guitar,
Vocals
Native to South Georgia, He has 20
plus years experience performing regionally with and sharing the stage
with blues and gospel performers such as Detroit Junior, “Chicago” Bob
Nelson, Luther “Houserocker” Johnson, Chick Willis, Saxophonist Sil
Austin, Robin Brown, and many others. As a founding member of Frankie Lee
and the Solid Senders, he performed many festivals such as the WRFG Labor
Day Blues Bash Festival. As a member of Frankie’s Blues Mission, Frankie
has participated in The Augusta Blues Festival, Chick Willis’ Mid-Georgia
Blues Festival and The Atlanta Montreux Festival. As part of the Blues
Mission, He held down second house band duties at Blind Willie’s in
Atlanta for two years. He was also a founding member of the blues
band, Native Sons and a member of the Athens-based blues quartet, The
Healers. Robinson also contributes his talents regularly to charitable
efforts such as Atlanta Northside Tavern’s “Chicken Raid” festivals and
other efforts to benefit organizations such as the American Cancer
Society. He also performs regularly as the resident guitarist for the
Providence Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Ensemble in Atlanta. Frankie,
an authentic and soulful blues player, draws from many influences.
Guitarists such as Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Roy Lee Johnson, B.B. King,
Magic Sam, “Pops” Staples, Charlie Christian, Freddie King, Albert King,
Kenny Burrell and T-bone Walker have left their mark on his performances.
He walks the walk and talks the talk.
Kermit J. “Max” Maxwell – Bass Guitar “Max” has been performing with
Atlanta jazz, Blues, gospel and roots music bands for over 10 years. This
Atlanta native anchors the Blues Mission with his powerful and authentic
rhythmic style on electric and upright bass. Artists such as Ray Brown,
Charles Mingus, Ron Carter and Willie Dixon have played a major influence
on Maxwell. “Max” has performed and shared the stage with local
bands such as the Atlanta Mandolin Society, the Colin Ford Trio, The John
Schnelling Quintet and other jazz, blues and gospel
groups.
Al Largo – Drums Hailing from New York City and
since moved to the Atlanta area, This 25 year veteran former Marietta City
Fireman currently performs blues, jazz and R&B in the region. With 20
plus years experience under his belt, Al is the steady heartbeat of the
Blues Mission. Largo’s influences are many, ranging from classical to
rock. He has been drumming since the tender age of 14 and also played the
kettledrums. Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, and Mickey Hart influence
Al’s drumming style, among others.
Listen To Samples Here... http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/frankiesbluesmission
Additional Artist Info... http://bluesmission.homestead.com/
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