Robinson featured on soundtrack

Friday, August 25, 2006

When an artist can reach the audience with their music in varying ways other than releasing their own album, it can only help, and local blues artist Tad Robinson has achieved just that.

A song Robinson co-wrote with Richie Davis and Chris Cameron found its way onto the movie soundtrack for "The Guardian," starring Kevin Costner. The movie is scheduled for release on Sept. 29.

Robinson said he, Davis and Cameron -- both friends who live and work in Chicago -- wrote and recorded a few songs in one weekend to send to movie director Andrew Davis, who knew Robinson when he lived in Chicago.

"I was approached by Disney and (Davis)," Robinson said. "I've worked with (Davis) before."

Robinson said Davis and Cameron work for the Chicago Cats.

The song Robinson submitted to the soundtrack is "Hold Tight." However, the tune will not appear on his new album, set to be released in February 2007.

Robinson has also had songs on "Under Siege," starring Steven Seagal, and "A Perfect Murder," with Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow. Both movies were also directed by Davis.

Robinson added Davis' biggest hit was "The Fugitive," although Robinson did not have a song on that soundtrack.

Robinson said Disney and Davis approached him hoping to get a song similar to something Van Morrison would produce.

"They were looking for a certain-type of vibe," he said. "They wanted a mellow, kind of a sentimental tune."

Robinson said he, Davis and Cameron submitted the songs they recorded to Davis and Disney and "Hold Tight" was chosen.

"This is another revenue strain that musicians hope will open for them," Robinson said. "These are the perks that come up and they can help."

Robinson added he's excited to see the film, which also stars Ashton Kutcher.

"I'm excited," he said. "It's always exciting to be on a team working on a production like that."

Robinson's recent effort will be released in February 2007. It will include nine originals and two covers, "Up and Down World," a song identified with Bobby Bland, and "Ain't That Lovin' You," by Johnny Taylor.

The album was produced by David Earl, president and owner of Severn Records, the label Robinson records for.

The upcoming release will be his second with the label. He released "Did You Ever Wonder?" in 2004 and Robinson earned two nominations for the 26th annual W.C. Handy Awards as a result of the album, one for best Soul/Blues Album of the Year and the other for best Soul/Blues Vocalist of the Year.

In addition, Robinson recorded "One to Infinity" in 1994 and "Last Go Round" in 1998.

He will perform locally at the third annual Family Youth and Community Development Program Jazz Concert on Sunday, Sept. 3.

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