Sharon Robinson's album EVERYBODY KNOWS (August 2008)

[margaret]

Sharon's album was on sale with the other tour merchandise in Dublin so will likely be at other future venues.

[Steve Wilcox]

I picked up a copy of the album at the final show in Montreal. I really enjoy it. As for comparisons suggesting it's in the same vein as, or a continuation of, Ten New Songs, I wouldn't agree. It's a far more musical album - more feel, more dynamic, more expressive musically, better with regards to percussion and instrument performances.

I won't try to pigeon-hole it with comparisons as to who or what it reminds me of - there's no need to , it's all Sharon to those familiar with her vocal sound. Note to LC fans - "Alexandra Leaving" is simply stunning and "Everybody Knows" is more laid back - I'd say 'calming'. I'd like to say both are true to the "original recordings" (which would be true) but since Sharon co-wote them, these are original recordings. Also notable is the excellent sound quality - mixed extremely well (by Sharon as per the liner notes) and excellent mastering.

While walking across the street from Place Des Arts on Sunday afternoon, in front of Baton Rouge, I turned to find Sharon about four feet away. She was very approachable and we spoke about the upcoming shows and the preparation. I told her how happy audience members are that she is part of the show (I think I speak for many there) and she thanked me for attending six shows. At that point I hadn't heard her new CD. So, Sharon - your new CD is wonderful! When is your tour? Please feel free to also begin it in Fredericton.

[jarkko]

Sharon is offering two songs for free download on her myspace page
(http://www.myspace.com/sharonrobinson)--"Invisible Tattoo" and "Party for
the Lonely." "Party" is the song that would probably appeal most to fans of
Leonard! Enjoy!

[jerry]

Jarkko,I don't think the link above is the correct one!

[Darling]

This one looks more like it. http://www.myspace.com/sharonrobinsonmusic

[anastasia504]

[This is wonderful news, please continue to release----
i][/i] As much as you can.
You and Leonard Cohen, make a great team.
Hope you are having a wonderful time on your tour.
I wish I could be there.
I am in the USA, and not so fortunate to see you guys live.
God Bless.
Have a great time, I hope all those concerts are being taped for purchase later, I would love to see all of your concerts.
Anastasia

[tomsakic]

http://www.popjournalism.ca/magazine/20 ... ws-review/

Sharon Robinson, Everybody Knows
3.5 stars out of 5

By Jason Gladu | Posted on July 25, 2008

Sharon Robinson is best known for her frequent collaborations with Canadian icon Leonard Cohen. Starting her association as a back-up singer for Cohen in 1979, Robinson has been on several world tours, and since then, has influenced Cohen’s work as a songwriting partner and producer. Fans of her production work on Cohen’s past two releases (Ten New Songs and Dear Heather) will love Everybody Knows as it is steeped in the same provocative and seductive blend of easygoing electronic beats. While Robinson’s production style is unquestionably ’80s, it is done in good taste and of course, it helps that she is blessed with breathy, sexy vocals. Her voice transforms three Cohen covers, “Alexandre Leaving,” “Summertime” and the title track into instant highlights. Lead off track “Invisible Tattoo” is the perfect opener as she coos, “There’s an invisible tattoo / A lasting impression of you / All over me.” This sentiment sets up the rest of the album in the same jazzy, ethereal mood that begs to be listened to on a pair of headphones. Truly, Robinson has waited far too long to release her own material. (Sharon Robinson Songs)

[tomsakic]

http://www.soultracks.com/sharon_robinson-everybody

Sharon Robinson - Everybody Knows



It seems odd that Sharon Robinson is classified as a "new artist," but after two notable decades in the music business, she is finally letting the world discover what music insiders have known for years. Though she's spent the most time as a supporting vocalist for artists ranging from Stevie Nicks to Aaron Neville, Robinson is best known in the industry as a Grammy-nominated songwriter, having collaborated for several years with legendary lyricist Leonard Cohen. Similar to Gordon Chambers' transition five years ago, Robinson is now moving to the forefront to display her formidable skills with 2008's Everybody Knows.

The most obvious and expected influence on Everybody Knows is Cohen, whose 2001 album Ten New Songs was produced by Robinson. But perhaps even more powerful a comparison is to another former Robinson accomplice, Brenda Russell, especially on "Invisible Tattoo," the new album's signature track and one of the finest adult pop songs of 2008. Hinting at the vibe of Russell's "Piano In the Dark," but with Robinson's smoky alto voice floating over a deep groove reminiscent of Sade's best work, the cut is mesmerizing, and sets a high opening bar for the album.

The rest of Everybody Knows is immensely interesting, though perhaps too consistently downbeat for most listeners. Rich, occasionally oblique lyricism pervades the ten moody, ambient pieces, providing a sense of gravitas that is atypical for modern adult soul music. The mood works best on the title cut and on the beautiful Aaron Neville-like track, "The High Road," a chilling song about a sad-but-resigned lover attempting to maintain her dignity at the end of a relationship.

The compelling lyrical content takes the disc a long way, nearly making it essential. But the album is dragged down by an overall sameness in tempo and Robinson's attractive but unchangingly breathy vocals, making it impossible to sustain for the entire CD the enthusiasm brought by the opening cuts. While any of the ten cuts is worthy on its own (put your iPod on shuffle for this one), each loses impact when all are joined together, back to back, over an hour. But despite the lack of sonic variety, it is tough to find fault with the consistent strong material that graces it the album. And in a market that is deathly short on intelligent, high quality adult pop music, Everybody Knows is an auspicious, welcome first offering by a talented artist whose time in the sun has thankfully arrived. Recommended.

By Chris Rizik

[tomsakic]

http://cdbaby.com/cd/sharonrobinson/from/daveslounge/

Sharon Robinson
Everybody Knows

© 2008 Sharon Robinson Songs (796873059985)
CD price: $9.99


Compelling lyrics wrapped inside a soulful vibe and electronica production.

A gorgeous, soulful alto that envelopes hooks and harmonies; a musically gifted mind that collaborates with Leonard Cohen; a pop sensibility that earns a GRAMMY Award with Patti LaBelle (“New Attitude”)--that’s Sharon Robinson: singer, songwriter, producer and now artist, with the release of her debut solo recording effort, "Everybody Knows."

The set--which Cohen calls “brilliant, a masterpiece”--includes three songs co-written with the legendary artist: the classics “Everybody Knows” and “Summertime” along with “Alexandra Leaving” from "Ten New Songs," the critically acclaimed 2001 Cohen album which Robinson produced. The seductive electronic production of Ten New Songs is a through-line for "Everybody Knows" linking memorable melodies and complex emotional themes on the five new compositions and five favorite existing songs.

While the inclusion of the Cohen songs may draw inevitable comparison to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer’s work, Robinson’s creative signature is immediately evident in the sensuous rhythms and haunting aura of the album’s opening track “Invisible Tattoo” and the gothic-soul anthem “Party for the Lonely.” Intertwining electronica beats with soulful bass grooves and moody, jazzy textures sculpted on guitar and piano, synth and Fender Rhodes, its enrapturing blend of instrumentation provides the perfect sonic bed for her inviting, sultry voice, which evokes feelings of hope, romance and sorrow all in the same breath.

Robinson notes, “I created most of the record by layering parts one at a time, similarly to the way I did "Ten New Songs." I wanted it to have an edgy and contemplative vibe, so I stayed away from the idea of tracking with studio musicians. I needed the freedom to find what I was looking for--a sound that was uniquely mine--before bringing in players for overdubs to add color, scope and dimension.”

Although "Everybody Knows" comes in the third decade of her career, Robinson’s talent and versatility behind the scenes as a music producer, songwriter and background vocalist have allowed her to work with a diverse roster of notable artists including Stevie Nicks, Aaron Neville, Morris Day, Robbie Kreiger, Thelma Houston, Brenda Russell, Jennifer Warnes, Randy Crawford, Hamish Stuart and Matthew Wilder. Her co-write of the Top 10 hit “New Attitude” for Patti LaBelle led to three GRAMMY Award nominations and a win for Best Soundtrack Album ("Beverly Hills Cop") in 1985. Her original compositions have also been featured in films such as "Wonder Boys," "Natural Born Killers," "Pump Up The Volume," "Stakeout" and Wim Wenders’ "Land of Plenty." But regardless of what project she’s involved with, her long-time friend and collaborator Cohen is never far out of the picture. This year, Robinson will be a featured background vocalist on his upcoming spring/summer international tour, his first run of live performances since 1993. The set list for the show includes five songs she co-wrote with Cohen, and showcases her arrangements on these co-written works.

It’s not surprising that Robinson has worked with such diverse personalities and in so many genres. Her affinity for all kinds of music developed at an early age. Born in San Francisco, her family moved to Los Angeles when she was five. A year later she began studying classical piano, and at age 12 started writing and recording her own songs. As a teenager, she devoured a steady diet of Motown and Atlantic radio hits while working at the family restaurant, and while at home, she listened to such greats as Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Stan Getz and Joni Mitchell. The influence of this musical stew led to Robinson recording a demo at the age of 16, which landed her a recording contract with a label that folded before her album was made. But there was a silver lining. The backing band for her demo was the Jazz Crusaders; and its legendary leader Joe Sample witnessed her ability, encouraging her to continue writing.

While she would eventually heed that advice, Robinson excelled in school as well and as a National Merit semi-finalist she earned a scholarship to Salem College in West Virginia. Halfway to her degree, money and music proved a stronger draw, so she left school to front a touring Top 40 band for several years. Burnout on the road brought her back to college; this time to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts to study music. A year later, she went pro again as a session singer and then singer/dancer for nine years in Ann-Margret’s Las Vegas revue.

Those countless sessions proved fruitful when a recommendation from a fellow singer led to Cohen hiring her as a background vocalist for the famous 1979 “Field Commander Cohen Tour.” Cohen himself dubbed it his best trek ever. While on the road together, he and Robinson co-wrote “Summertime,” a song subsequently recorded by both Diana Ross and Roberta Flack. It was with this composition that she had suddenly elevated herself to the level Sample had envisioned years earlier…officially joining the auteur club that created lasting art beyond fleeting recordings and live shows.

When you’re good at what you do, and you do it for others, their success becomes your reward, your place in the mix. It can be a great place to be. For Sharon Robinson, it has been both gratifying and fun. With Everybody Knows, she’s going to another place—out in front.

“Writing for other people over the years, there's been an increasing sense of an underlying style or voice in my work,” Robinson notes. “This album gave me the chance to explore that voice and find out more about it. It’s been very fulfilling, and I'm looking forward to taking it further with future projects as well.”

And with her extensive list of achievements and eclectic experiences, Robinson has a pretty good head start on this next artistic journey.

[tomsakic]

http://smooth-jazz.de/WordPress/?p=523#more-523

Sharon Robinson - Everybody Knows
July 24th, 2008 by hbh

Everybody Knows

On August 27, GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist and songwriter Sharon Robinson celebrates the independent release of her debut solo recording effort, Everybody Knows, as she opens for George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA. Graced with a portrait of Robinson painted by longtime collaborator Leonard Cohen as the album cover, Everybody Knows features new renditions of three compositions Robinson co-wrote with the legendary artist including such classics as “Everybody Knows,” “Summertime” and “Alexandra Leaving.” Robinson is currently on the road as a featured background vocalist on Cohen’s summer international tour, his first run of live performances since 1993. The set list for the shows has five songs they co-wrote, and showcases her arrangements on these co-written pieces. Interviews and photos are available upon request.

Over the course of the past three decades, Robinson has served as a formidable musical partner to Leonard Cohen and has reined in a laundry list of accolades working with such distinguished artists as Patti LaBelle, Stevie Nicks, Aaron Neville, Chris Botti, Morris Day, Robbie Kreiger, Thelma Houston, Brenda Russell and many others. Upon meeting Cohen and becoming a background singer for his famous 1979 “Field Commander Cohen Tour,” Robinson and Cohen quickly developed an uncanny songwriting relationship. While on the road together for the first time, they co-wrote “Summertime,” a song subsequently recorded by both Diana Ross and Roberta Flack. Robinson would come to perform and contribute her writing talents to such ground-breaking Cohen albums as The Future, Ten New Songs and most recently, Dear Heather.

Produced by Robinson, the seductive production behind Cohen’s critically acclaimed 2001 release, Ten New Songs, marks a through-line for Everybody Knows, linking memorable melodies and complex emotional themes on her five new original compositions and five favorite existing songs. While the inclusion of the Cohen tunes may draw inevitable comparison to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer’s work, Robinson’s creative signature is immediately evident in the sensuous rhythms and haunting aura of the record’s opening track “Invisible Tattoo” and the gothic-soul anthem “Party for the Lonely.” Intertwining electronica beats with soulful bass grooves and moody, jazzy textures sculpted on guitar and piano, synth and Fender Rhodes, its enrapturing blend of instrumentation provides the perfect sonic bed for her inviting, sultry voice, which evokes feelings of hope, romance and sorrow all in the same breath.

Robinson notes, “I created most of the record by layering parts one at a time, similarly to the way I did Ten New Songs. I wanted it to have an edgy and contemplative vibe, so I stayed away from the idea of tracking with studio musicians. I needed the freedom to find what I was looking for–a sound that was uniquely mine–before bringing in players for overdubs to add color, scope and dimension.”

In addition to the notoriety she has received with Cohen, Robinson won a GRAMMY Award in 1985 for “Best Soundtrack Album” (Beverly Hills Cop) for her co-write of the Top 10 hit “New Attitude” with Patti LaBelle. Robinson’s original songs have also been featured in premier motion pictures such as Wonder Boys, Natural Born Killers, Pump Up The Volume, Stakeout and Wim Wenders’ Land of Plenty. It seems as though her early studies at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts, her singing and dancing with Ann-Margret’s Las Vegas revue, and fronting a touring Top 40 band for several years have paid off over the course of a much-credited career.

As Robinson continues her ongoing collaboration with Cohen and conducts various writing sessions with some of Hollywood’s top stars, she unabashedly branches out on her own revealing a powerful, reflective artistic message with Everybody Knows. The distinct collection of 10 songs on Everybody Knows spotlights Robinson’s singular talents as an inspired vocalist, songwriter and producer.

Everybody Knows is available at CDBaby.

Source: Jesse P. Cutler, JP Cutler Media, 415.655.3431, publicity@jpcutlermedia.com

[tomsakic]

Just released (added 12 hours ago to YouTube): video clip for Invisible Tattoo.

http://youtube.com/user/InvisibleTattoo

[lizzytysh]

Hey, Tom ~

Someone I recognize in these parts . After listening to Sharon in person, I 'had' to have her new album and bought it post-haste at the venue. I then talked some nice [and nice looking] Montreal man about my age into buying "Blue Alert." I'm certain he loves it. I love Sharon's. Isn't "Invisible Tattoo" wonderful ?


~ Lizzy

[tomsakic]

IMHO, the best CD ever produced by any of Leonard Cohen related artists or collaborators. The beautiful and compelling, "eine kleine Nachtmusik".

[Mollydog]

I bought Sharon's CD a few weeks ago through CD Baby. This album is a real gem, I've been playing it over and over since I got it. I especially love Invisible Tattoo, and Sharon's version of Alexandra Leaving is beautiful. Equally wonderful is Summertime. I had never heard a recording of the song before - it is truly breathtaking.

[kokenpere]

The album is EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

michael