Customer Reviews

Solace for the Lonely

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Once again, Robinella delivers all the way. Robinella is one of those artists I wait patiently for her releases just like for Norah Jones' CDs, and now I can't wait for the next James Blunt release, but it often takes at least a couple of years by these artists for a new CD.
Well, the "remake" of "Brand New Key" alone is worth the money for this whole CD -- Robinella does an excellent job with it and it's just an extraordinary musical experience to listen to this song and to most of the other songs. I remember the first time I listened to her first official public release I put the CD away and then I listened to it a few times to discover all the gems on it. There are really gems in each of her songs, and the musical arrangements are just superb.
Many have a problem with defining her style and it's a little difficult other than it's great music and it may not be for everyone's taste, but you could call it perhaps a crossover Jazz Country Swing with a little shot of Blues. But who cares? Robinella's voice has this special magic to it and I really enjoy listening to her.

This album may be overlooked because it crosses alot of Genres. But that's what's so great about it. It's a little Jools Holland, a little Rickie Lee Jones, a little Norah Jones, a little Shelby Lynn, a little Jacqui Naylor, a little Ingrid Lucia, a little KT Tunstall, in other words, a little Jazz, a little folk , a little torchy lounge music, a little country/blues. I heard it on several different stations on XM Radio. Anyway, if you like any of the above artists (in addition to the new Cat Power "the greatest"), you'd like this as well and she has a very interesting and complex voice and vocal style.

RobinElla's fourth original release, her first for the Dualtone label, combines acoustic folk, jazz, pop, funk and bluegrass into a dreamy mix that draws upon the fragility of Alison Krauss, the intellect of Joni Mitchell, and the blue notes of Billie Holiday. While the blending of styles is largely organic, the arrangements occasionally tip founder Cruz Conteras' formal background as a college music major. Unlike 2003's self-titled Columbia release, the singer's latest (which drops "and the CC String Band" from its title) is considerably more exploratory, adding funky Fender Rhodes and wah-wah guitar to "Little Boy," a moody, spare and futuristic backing to "Press On," soulful scat singing to "All I've Given," and an old-timey backporch vocal for a cover of Melanie's "Brand New Key." Fans of the band's earlier releases will still find country and bluegrass inflections throughout, but more as annotations to larger experiments, rather than the album's raison d'?tre. 3-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]

Robinella (without CC's tight strings) has a new singing style ranging from clear ringing notes to sensual, throaty even whispered notes. That crisp checkercloth sterling ring in the last CD has given way to something new, hinting of dim-lit backwoods blues bars.

Robinella fans rejoice. This is one terrific album. Robin Ellla, Cruz, and the rest of the Band hit one out of the park with this album. It only builds on their already superb collection of music. I will be listening to Solace for the Lonely for some time. Thanks for this awesome album. Buy it, don't copy it.

The depth of feeling and power of this music took my breath away and left me wiping away tears, sometimes of sadness and sometimes exhilaration. These songs, for me "Press On" especially, will hook you, make you stop what you're doing and touch your heart. No need to dissect the arrangements or analyze the artist. Just be nourished by it. The album is aptly named, in my opinion, since there is a difference between closure and solace, there often being no closure for lonliness and loss. This music conveys the distinction well. I would buy this one to compensate the artist for providing such an exquisitely beautiful way to get in touch with feelings of value.

This music is so soulful that it takes my breath away. Robinella's voice is full of feeling - pain, joy, loneliness, longing - it's all there. "Down the Mountain" and "Whippin Wind" are but a couple of the gems on this wonderful CD. I'll be seeing Robinella this week in Madison, WI, and can't wait! Buy this CD and hear for yourself how much passion and feeling music can hold.

This album is all about love/loves. The first few songs of this album surprised me as a shade dark. However, upon a second/third listen, I found them lovely and evocative. This is an album of honest worth, beauty, & humor. Though this genre (Americana?) is not my average fair, I found such resonance w/the stories/lyrics & complementing melodies/music, that I purchased multiple copies to share with all my far flung immediate family members, & a few long time friends, as a New Years gifts. No doubt this was an overshare on my part, but I suspect I will be reaping favorable rewards & responses through out the years to come. With this album I wandered outside my usual daily comfort zone w/an open heart & mind, and found a slice of a refreshing garden of another life.

When I first moved to Knoxville, where Robinella plays, and heared her for the first time I was blown away. What a truly unique voice and talent. Even though she no longer sings with CC, she can hold her own. Great job Robinella! She is Knoxville gem and we are proud to have her.

Its very ...cool! I'm glad I heard it, and heard it, and heard it. Its great...no really!