Joe Robinson @ The Toff In Town, Melbourne (08/12/2012)
Photo by Simone Cecchetti
Joe Robinson played The Toff In Town on Saturday. If you weren't there, you missed out. I went stag, and was delighted about it as I got to absorb myself entirely in the luxury of my
own space.
Word to the wise: the kid's got talent. And that's the last pun I will use when talking about the 21-year-old guitar prodigy best known for winning 2008's Australia's Got Talent.
This is a performer who is a natural on stage, with a down-to-earth country swagger, a very sweet voice indeed and a commanding presence that belies his tender age.
There is nothing sweet about Joe Robinson's guitar work. His hands fly up and down the fretboard and pluck the six strings with ferocious accuracy guided by a sharp ear for sound. With his spine-tingling solos and improvisational country-blues, Robinson is a guitarist first and foremost. It is clear that it is this he loves, and this he lives for.
Piece Of The Puzzle is a pop song at its heart, lyrically and vocally – it has adult contemporary radio written all over it. Lethal Injection is inspired by his love of Frank Zappa, and is rock- and-roll blues with tonnes of 'tude.
The chemistry between Robinson and his bassist, who expertly plays the role of right-hand man, is palpable and a highlight of the show. You can see a similar magic when you watch him perform with elder Australian guitar prodigy and mentor Tommy Emmanuel. This is a star musician with a firm handle on the collaborative nature of music, and the camaraderie that ensues.
A self-described 'softer, slower song' about leaving NSW for Nashville at 18, Adelaide is melodic and infectious. Sung with sincere sentiment and the kind of talent that doesn't need to try too hard. Shades of Colbie Callait can be heard, and with his blonde heartbreaker look, pop star idol for tweens seems possible. As the end nears, Joe Robinson exits the stage, guitar still in hand. He walks amongst the crowd, giving those in front the chance to see his magic fingers up close. Turns out the kid's a rock star.
The pinnacle of the set comes when Robinson casually whips his guitar off and walks back of stage to stand behind his friend the bassist. Wingman takes his hands of the guitar and lets his boss play – yes, his guitar. From behind. Maybe the homo-erotic imagery was just in myoveractive imagination.
Finally, presumably at this point just showing off, both guitarists play the same guitar - at the same time. As I've said, the chemistry was chummy throughout the show and perhaps this moment of onstage intimacy is why.
A Joe Robinson show is a treat for one and all. If a night of old-fashioned foot-stomping is your cup of tea, he's your man. Alternatively, if you want to feel inferior and be intimidated by the sheer talent in front of you, he's still your man.
His is an effortless performance from a humble and genuinely talented musician who will occupy whatever stage he's on like only someone in confident control of his craft can.
Rebecca McCann
own space.
Word to the wise: the kid's got talent. And that's the last pun I will use when talking about the 21-year-old guitar prodigy best known for winning 2008's Australia's Got Talent.
This is a performer who is a natural on stage, with a down-to-earth country swagger, a very sweet voice indeed and a commanding presence that belies his tender age.
There is nothing sweet about Joe Robinson's guitar work. His hands fly up and down the fretboard and pluck the six strings with ferocious accuracy guided by a sharp ear for sound. With his spine-tingling solos and improvisational country-blues, Robinson is a guitarist first and foremost. It is clear that it is this he loves, and this he lives for.
Piece Of The Puzzle is a pop song at its heart, lyrically and vocally – it has adult contemporary radio written all over it. Lethal Injection is inspired by his love of Frank Zappa, and is rock- and-roll blues with tonnes of 'tude.
The chemistry between Robinson and his bassist, who expertly plays the role of right-hand man, is palpable and a highlight of the show. You can see a similar magic when you watch him perform with elder Australian guitar prodigy and mentor Tommy Emmanuel. This is a star musician with a firm handle on the collaborative nature of music, and the camaraderie that ensues.
A self-described 'softer, slower song' about leaving NSW for Nashville at 18, Adelaide is melodic and infectious. Sung with sincere sentiment and the kind of talent that doesn't need to try too hard. Shades of Colbie Callait can be heard, and with his blonde heartbreaker look, pop star idol for tweens seems possible. As the end nears, Joe Robinson exits the stage, guitar still in hand. He walks amongst the crowd, giving those in front the chance to see his magic fingers up close. Turns out the kid's a rock star.
The pinnacle of the set comes when Robinson casually whips his guitar off and walks back of stage to stand behind his friend the bassist. Wingman takes his hands of the guitar and lets his boss play – yes, his guitar. From behind. Maybe the homo-erotic imagery was just in myoveractive imagination.
Finally, presumably at this point just showing off, both guitarists play the same guitar - at the same time. As I've said, the chemistry was chummy throughout the show and perhaps this moment of onstage intimacy is why.
A Joe Robinson show is a treat for one and all. If a night of old-fashioned foot-stomping is your cup of tea, he's your man. Alternatively, if you want to feel inferior and be intimidated by the sheer talent in front of you, he's still your man.
His is an effortless performance from a humble and genuinely talented musician who will occupy whatever stage he's on like only someone in confident control of his craft can.
Rebecca McCann