A Man Like My Guitar by Robin Lee Berry

09 Feb

Written by Richard Bourcier
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Singer/songwriter/guitarist Robin Lee Williams sent along her recent release and it’s a pleaser. I can’t tell you anything of the Michigan performer’s history as a bio did not accompany the CD. The musicians are listed collectively as individual tracks are in solo, duo, trio and quartet formats.

This young woman is difficult to place in a pigeonhole. Although presenting a number of jazz standards, Robin Lee Berry injects her unique personal interpretation. The instrumentation is as unusual as her arrangements, including at times, mandolin and accordion. Robin is an accomplished vocalist and acoustic guitarist. Her solo on the title tune is quietly beautiful. In contrast, she kicks Billy Mayhew’s "It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie" along at a frightening pace after a brief intro in 3/4 time.

As on any album, certain performances stand out for their own reasons. Robin Lee Berry’s own composition "Something Sometime" absolutely shines in terms of pure beauty and originality. I’ll take a moment to ask Robin not to put the pen away. Her unique version of "You Took Advantage Of Me" is performed vocally, accompanied only by her own acoustic guitar and the tune takes on a special loveliness in her hands. "The Lady Is a Tramp" is, in contrast, a free for all with some witty lyrics, kooky drum breaks and hot violin.

Robin Lee Berry is also a world-class builder of fine log furniture. Her work can be seen at the artist’s website quoted above. Please contact the singer via the email "clicker" on the site if you wish more information on this CD. Robin will answer all enquiries personally.

Nice music!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Robin Lee Berry
CD Title: A Man Like My Guitar
Genre: Jazz Vocals
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: Independent
Tracks: Never Never Land; Almost Like Being In Love; My One And Only Love; One Note Samba; Something Sometime; It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie; That’ll Teach Me; Haven’t We Met; Scotch n’ Soda; You took Advantage Of Me; The Lady Is a Tramp; My Romance; I Will; Michelangelo’s Blues; My Funny Valentine.
Musicians: Robin Lee Berry (vocals, guitar); COLLECTIVE PERSONNEL: Pete Asch (flute, sax); Graham Fineout (drums, percussion); Leo Dombecki (sax); Glenn Wolff (bass); Don Julin (accordion, guitar, mandolin); Jack Sharry (fiddle); Ron Tschudy (harmonica); Roger Tarczon (drums).
Label Website: -
Rating: Three Stars