Community Update

Just one listen to Justin Robinson’s robust, multi-layered alto sax and its easy to tell that Charlie “Bird” Parker, the legendary bebop master, is one of his musical heroes.  Yet, it is another titanic figure of jazz, John Coltrane that is reminiscent to the quiet confidence displayed in Justin Robinson’s approach. Indeed, as Coltrane is lauded as one of the most iconic characters in jazz, if not all music, it was Coltrane’s formative years with Miles Davis that not only helped to launch his solo career, but established him as the consummate picture of the sideman.  For a good part of Justin Robinson’s career, he has created an impressive image of a sideman, a position he is comfortable and confident playing.

Lending his amazing gift to such luminaries as Abbey Lincoln, Diana Ross, Little Jimmy Scott, Cecil Brooks III, and currently Roy Hargrove, Robinson began a rapid rise in various jazz circles by first studying with the venerable Frank West at fourteen years old.  He then joined the hard bop duo, The Harper Brothers, in the late 80′s as a teen to record their record “Remembrance: Live at the Village Vanguard” and ran a jam session at the famed Blue Note Jazz Club from 1987-1990.  In 1991 he debuted as a solo artist with “Justin Time”, produced by Bobby Watson and featuring some notable heavyweights such as Gary Bartz, Eddie Henderson and Kenny Barron—all before his 25th birthday.