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Donald Robinson

Described as a 'percussive dervish' (Coda) Donald Robinson is a technical master of the drums. He is a stalwart of the of San Francisco bay area avant-garde jazz scene, playing and recording with many of the area's improvisational players, from saxophonists John Tchicai, Marco Eneidi and Larry Ochs to koto player Miya Masaoka and pianist Matthew Goodheart, and with prominent visitors like Cecil Taylor, Wadada Leo Smith, George Lewis, trumpeter Raphe Malik and Canadian pianist Paul Plimley. Much of this work has featured the combination of Robinson and bassist Lisle Ellis as rhythm section: 'the best bass-drums tag team on the scene' (Jazz Times). His longest musical association, dating from the 1970's, was with the late tenor saxophonist Glenn Spearman.

Born is Boston, Massachusetts in 1953, Robinson first studied classical percussion at the New England Conservatory. During the early 1970's he served his musical apprenticeship in the jazz world of Paris, studying with Kenny Clarke and playing with Alan Silva, Anthony Braxton, Oliver Lake and Bobby Few among many others. He first played with Spearman as a duet partner during this period in Paris, an association which continued through various configurations and many recordings until the saxophonist's death in 1998.

Robinson is currently playing in many configurations with a broad range of musicians throughout Europe and the US.

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Album Review

Donald Robinson/Lisle Ellis/Biggi Vinkeloe: Blue Reve

Read "Blue Reve" reviewed by Rex  Butters


Sweden-based wind player Biggi Vinkelow’s latest collection comes courtesy of eclectic Eld Records, a new label emphasizing diverse Swedish sounds while covering the thriving Göteborg scene. Almost entirely self taught, Vinkeloe received her first sax at 24. For her day job she plies music therapy. Two highly regarded San Francisco improvisers flesh out the trio, drummer Donald Robinson and bassist Lisle Ellis. Besides their association with the Bay Area, Robinson and Ellis have a longtime association with each other an ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Blue Reve

Unknown label
2004

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