Michael Robbins

Michael Robbins could be called musically multilingual. Robbins' playing is frequently flavored by any of the styles that he has mastered, Semitic to ascetic, classical or folksicle, swinging Jazz to the high lonely sound of the fiddler at dusk.

Michael has traveled the planet as a classical musician, performing in the US, UK, China and Japan, and played in several regional orchestras, including The Ocean City Pops Orchestra, Pottstown Symphony, Bridgeton Symphony and the East Texas Symphony.

While a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas TX, USA, Robbins performed frequently with Rhett Miller; lately of the pop band Old 97's. Coffeehouse settings like that of Dave's Art Pawn Shop in East Dallas would be revisited by Robbins in force during his entry into the heart of the Philadelphia folk music scene. Since his musical coming of age as a non-classical musician in the Philadelphia metropolitan area as a member of The Bala Hounds: a highly creative and non-dogmatic folk music group, Robbins has performed in a couple of Irish/ Celtic bands: The Ellen Tepper Celtic Trio, Cletus McBride & Co., various Jazz groups, ranging from the silk and swing vocalise of Jazz Garden to the avant garde Jazz of Adelante. Add the bipolar Klezmer of the Freilech Minyan and you have some picture of the musical places he has gone.

Michael performed from 1995 through 1998 with the Modern Jazz Group "Adelante". Adelante performed original compositions by band leader and drummer Jody Janetta, Michael and the other members of the group and fresh arrangements of other established Jazz artists. Having spent two years in Vineland: the rural center of South Jersey, and two years playing by the sea in Ocean City, NJ; Michael Robbins now resides in North Jersey, within striking distance of NYC. Through the turn of the millenium Michael worked on projects and gigs with a band called seedensol. The style of seedensol phased through folk into rock and perhaps into a music that takes one to another country in the east.

Michael performs jazz with Framework including the music of the late Brazilian master Antonio Carlos Jobim, whose sophisticated harmonies, combined with the infectious rhythms of the samba, created that musical genre now known as bossanova. Also included is a good helping of jazz standards, all kinds of Latin flavored music and original material by Michael Robbins and Guitarist Joseph Frame. Joe Frame's rich chord voicing and subtle rhythms on the guitar underscore the soaring violin virtuosity of Michael Robbins, whose tone and attack are impeccable.

His rich improvisational lines sail brilliantly on the gentle updrafts and currents of the guitar. Willy Ryan's upright bass provides the framework for all as you lose yourself in the rhythm. Dave Wilson plays so sweet and every other way you could want on tenor sax, flute and all reeds. Framework has been honored and thrilled to perform with acclaimed Broadway singer/actress/songwriter Rosemary Loar. Rosemary's transcendent voice coupled with her"... dynamic ability has the power to single-handedly captivate the audience."* She graces our performances with her eclectic approach and impeccable taste, adding a dimension to Framework's music that is both exciting and wistfully beautiful. When you are ready to call out for more you gotta know they're gonna chill it right out. They are going to take it right up again too. * Main Line Daily Standard Show less