Alex's debut album I Really Oughta Tell You - out now!
Alex Robinson’s debut album balances elegance, wit, and emotional depth while showcasing her gift for storytelling through song. This collection of beloved and lesser-known standards - plus a cheeky new original and a classic Joni Mitchell song - showcases the many dimensions of Robinson’s artistry, from soft and romantic to vibrant and intense. She is supported by a world-class trio made up of Jeremy Siskind on piano, Marlon Martinez on bass, and Charles Ruggiero on drums, with guest appearances by trumpeter Tony Guerrero, tenor saxophonist Doug Webb, and trombonist Steven Robinson.
Track-by-track breakdown of the album:
- Happy to Make Your Acquaintance: During the COVID-19 pandemic, my trombonist husband and I kept ourselves sane by playing duo together. It was a fun challenge for both of us to play trombone and voice without any accompanying instruments! This tune was one we originally put together in this duo format, based on the version recorded by Carmen McRae and Sammy Davis. Steven is playing Sammy, interjecting as I “teach” him how to properly greet someone. We have since added the rest of the band into the mix, and it has become one of my favorite tunes to perform.
- Everything I’ve Got Belongs to You: I was drawn to this Rodgers and Hart tune for the brash lyrics, concealed with clever metaphors. I tend to be someone who avoids conflict and conceals anger, so I always have fun taking on the character of this tune. I chose to set this tune with a driving straight-8th feel in 7, to reflect the edge of the lyric - with a feel-good swinging release at the end!
- I Really Oughta Tell You: I knew I wanted to include a new original tune on my debut album - specifically a fun, up-tempo bebop tune. Using a prompt-generating app created by my college songwriting professor Craig Carothers, I wrote about “a secret.” The young lover narrating the tune starts off by describing her budding interest. However, she has debilitating anxiety, and she starts to spiral about everything that could possibly go wrong if she shares her feelings.
- If the Moon Turns Green: Another selection inspired by the great Carmen McRae. This is one of my favorite ballads, and one I don’t hear performed often enough! I love the sense of wonder it conveys, and the band plays with beautiful sensitivity on this track.
- Very Good Advice: While working in the piano bar onboard the Disney Wish in 2022, I was stumped by the request to play this tune from Alice in Wonderland. I couldn’t recall it for the life of me! After that set, I went back to my cabin and re-watched the film for the first time in years. I thought this tune in particular was charming, and found it had been recorded by several jazz artists already - most notably Dave Brubeck on Dave Digs Disney. Each of the core musicians on my album is featured trading in pairs: first myself and Jeremy on piano, then Marlon on bass and Charles on drums. I love how we set up this unique solo section; I feel it captures the quirkiness and charm of the song.
- If I Should Lose You: This arrangement is my love note to Hank Mobley. I composed a new lyric to go along with his tenor solo recorded on Soul Station, which is one of my all-time favorite albums. I wanted to honor him while expanding the story of the original lyric. This track features a burning solo from saxophonist Doug Webb.
- Easy Living: Another one of my favorite ballads, featuring my husband on trombone. I felt it only natural to feature him on one of my favorite love songs! This is going to sound incredibly corny, but his tone on this track makes me swoon when I hear it.
- Devil May Care: I love the joyful, confident, and mischievous energy of this tune written by Bob Dorough and TP Kirk. This song is particularly fun for me and my band to let loose on. I enjoyed writing parts to showcase the horns, as well.
- Angel Eyes: I wasn’t originally considering including this tune on the album. However, I performed it at a festival a few months prior to recording the album, and Jeremy and Tony were in the band. Jeremy’s playing on that performance created an amazing ambience, which gave me renewed appreciation for Matt Dennis’s song.
- East of the Sun: This has been a favorite standard of mine for years. I love to sing it on my shows, call it at jam sessions, you name it. I adore the romantic lyric, and the slight unpredictability of the chord changes. Jeremy and Marlon are featured here playing unison lines, and Charles’ suggestion of a different groove than the one I originally indicated elevated my arrangement to a new level!
- One at a Time: A few years ago, I did a deep dive into the life and music of the late, great Shirley Horn. There is a recording on YouTube of a set she performed with her trio at the Village Vanguard in New York in 1991, and this song is part of it. I was absolutely captivated when I watched it; by the music by Michel Legrand, the lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and by the trio’s performance. It’s a stunning work of art that I knew I wanted to include on my album. Jeremy’s accompanying on this track is exquisite.
- Both Sides Now: This is perhaps my favorite song of all time, from any genre. Joni Mitchell’s lyric continues to take on new meaning as I move through my life. The greatest challenge for me in performing this song was presenting it in a way that felt original to me, while staying true to the composition. I didn’t want to change anything simply for the sake of being different; each aspect of my arrangement had to have a purpose that aligned with the lyric. I ended up feeling happy and proud of the final product the band created with me.