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Tad Robinson
Last Go Round
Delmark

Last Go Round is Tad Robinson's third album for Delmark. For my money, it's by far his strongest yet. Robinson has progressed so much that I believe he's now one of the better soulful blues singers on the scene today. His voice is reminiscent of that of Darrell Nulisch, whose latest albums received rave Blues Bytes reviews in January '97 and August '98.

Robinson has picked up a backing band which compliments his style nicely, led by the excellent guitarist Alex Schultz and keyboard wizard Kevin McKendree. Most of the cuts on Last Go Round are Robinson originals, proving that he's more than just a good singer.

"Payback" is great soulful blues featuring some of Robinson's strongest vocal work. While it's an original number, it sounds like it could have come from the Robert Cray songbook. "Another Song, Another Day" is a catchy, soul original which will have you wanting to play it over and over.

Robinson is also a more than competent harmonica player, as he shows on the Little Walter classic "I've Got To Go" and his own "Last Go Round." Schultz adds nice guitar fills on the latter tune.

The covers on Last Go Round are well-chosen, such as the slow, late night blues "Some Of My Best Friends Are The Blues." Another dynamite cover is Little Milton's soul chestnut "More And More."

The CD concludes with a gospel-flavored instrumental, "Shine A Light," featuring a fantastic piano workout from McKendree.

Tad Robinson's reputation should get a big boost through Last Go Round. If you dig blue-eyed soulful blues, then this disc is right up your alley.

- Bill Mitchell