Tad Robinson Real Street

Tad Robinson

Real Street

Severn Records

Tad Robinson's new album of blue-eyed soul, "Real Street" was recorded at Memphis' Electraphonic Recording and recorded by Scott Bomar, leader of the acclaimed Memphis soul band, The Bo-Keys. Robinson's vocals and harmonica are vocals and harmonica are backed by the legendary Hi Rhythm section of Charles Hodges – Hammond organ; Leroy Hodges – bass; and Howard Grimes – drums. They are augmented by Joe Restivo – guitar; Kevin Anker – Wurlitzer electric piano; Marc Franklin – trumpet; Kirk Smothers – sax; and Devin B. Thompson – background vocals.

Robinson and his band do an excellent job of recreating the classic Hi Records sound. Robinson and friends have contributed several choice originals, and they interpret songs from George Jackson, Roy Orbison, David Gate, and others. Certainly, an original like "Changes" with chugging rhythms comes off like a cover of a classic Syl Johnson number. Its memorable lyrics are about friends one has trusted have let you down, and then only love can help you negotiate the changes. There is a marvelous heartfelt rendition of a George Jackson soul ballad, "Search Your Heart," where Robinson pleads for his woman not to put him in misery. Robinson adds down-home harp on "Love in the Neighborhood." "Wishing Well Blues" is a soulful blues about his woman leaving set against this terrific rhythm section with biting guitar, punchy horns, orchestral organ, and a touch of harmonica.

Robinson takes the old Roy Orbison ballad, "You Got It," and transforms it into deep southern soul in a fashion that Otis Clay or Syl Johnson may have done it. Then there is a similar transformation of Bread's hit."Make It With You," by David Gates, into a classic Hi Records styled performance. Superbly backed by this terrific studio band and sung so fervently by Robinson, "Real Street" is a gem of contemporary Memphis-styled soul.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is Tad Robinson performing "Love in the Neighborhood" from this CD.