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"Allyn Robinson is a key "missing link" in the recent history of that time and place where R&B intersected with jazz and fusion, etc." - Drumming Legend Peter Erskine

Allyn Robinson has been playing drums for over 40 years and is New Orleans best kept secret. As noted in a recent interview with blues legend Tab Benoit, "He's one of the rare New Orleans drummers who knows how to play a blues shuffle. In fact B.B. King told him so and loved his groove." From shuffles to Funk, R&B, 2nd Line and Zydeco, Allyn is a master of the New Orleans Rhythm Book.

Born and raised in New Orleans, he has the heartbeat of the city in his soul. From this rich melting pot of music, Allyn developed a signature cadence that truly stands out and has been electrifying audiences for decades.

A unique mesh of 50s R&B bedrock and classic New Orleans styles makes for an explosive mix and a memorable groove for all.

New CD released October 1, 2013. Click here to learn more.


More Information

Please download Allyn's press kit (PDF) for a short bio. Or, you can read Allyn's full history online, including a discography and information about his relationship with Jaco Pastorius, by going to the history page.

Select Videos of Allyn Robinson

"Jazz Excursions" with Luther Kent and Trick Bag 1981

The September issue of Modern Drummer magazine featured a What Do You Know About article on New Orleans drummer Allyn Robinson.  In 1979 Allyn formed a band with former C. C. Rider musical director Charlie Brent and legendary Louisiana singer Luther Kent called Trick Bag. Allyn's ease at handling a large band with horns is obvious in the YouTube video "Jazz excursions with Luther Kent and Trick Bag."  Every major artist that appeared in New Orleans over the next five years came to hear or sit in with this incredible band. - Modern Drummer On Twitter September 10, 2012

Click here to
read Allynss Modern Drummer Article.

 
The Allyn Robinson Project: Live at Rollins College (highlights)
October 17, 2011

Allyn hosted a two-day career retrospective, master class and concert at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, in October 2011. 

Allyn discussed his years growing up and playing in New Orleans, his life-changing tenure with Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders, his musical partnership with legendary electric bassist Jaco Pastorius.  Allyn showcased his 2011 recording Full Circle, a compilation of classic R&B and New Orleans grooves. The Rollins concert featured two esteemed alumni from the Wayne Cochran band: Allyn and guitarist Harry Hann, plus musical arranger and bassist, Chuck Archard.

 
Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders: 
Live at the Fillmore West (1971)


On April 1, 1971, Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders played a classic show at San Francisco's legendary Fillmore West Auditorium.  Allyn had been with the band for only a few weeks.  It was truly baptism by fire and Allyn burned it up, as evident on this cut from the concert.
 
Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders
"Somebody's Been Cuttin' In On My Groove"

Not long after their classic concert at the Fillmore West, the Cochran band took residence at the famed Columbia Studios in San Francisco to record the seminal album, Cochran, for EPIC Records.  The record received critical acclaim and was awarded 5 out of 5 Stars by Downbeat Magazine in September 1972.  Allyn brought his brand of greasy New Orleans R&B to the band as can be heard on the classic tune "Somebody's Been Cuttin' In On My Groove."

 
Tab Benoit Live at the Sarasota Blues Festival 1996
"Make Your Mind Up"


"He's one of the rare New Orleans drummers who knows how to play a blues shuffle."
- Tab Benoit
 
Allyn toured and recorded with Tab Benoit for six years.  Inspired by a late night jam at Allyn's house gig in New Orleans, Tab, Allyn and bassist Doug Therrien joined forces in 1994.  They recorded three CDs along the way, Standing on the Bank (1995), Live: Swampland Jam (1997), and These Blues Are All Mine (1999).  The combination of Allyn's greasy blues shuffles and R&B funk grooves was the perfect foundation for Tab and his brand of Cajun-influenced blues.  Check out Tab, Allyn and Doug at the Sarasota Blues Festival in 1996.  Killer R&B Funk Groove!

Andy J. Forest plays "The Blues Blues" at BMC New Orleans
with the NOtown Band


Allyn has been playing and recording with legendary New Orleans Harmonica & Frattoir ace, Andy J Forest since 1997. Allyn can be heard on Andy's most recent recording, "NOtown Story - The Triumph of Turmoil." The band has never sounded better and the live setting is perfect for this line-up. Accompanied by Jack Kolb on guitar and David Hyde on bass, this recording takes you right there and provides the quintessential New Orleans live music experience. In this video, Allyn is locking into a classic shuffle groove at the BMC in the heart of New Orleans.
 

For all bookings, including live performances, educational clinics and master classes, sessions, press inquiries, and all other opportunities, please contact:

Jerome Cruitt
info@allynrobinson.com
 
 
Click here to read Allyn's Offbeat Magazine article!
 
Click here to read Allyn's feature in Modern Drummer!
 
Click to download:
 
Press Kit  High-Res Photo 
   

The Allyn Robinson Project
Dreams Realized, My Life in Music

 
Dreams Realized, My Life In Music is a celebration of Allyn's rich musical history and a stirring tribute to Jaco Pastorius, Charles Brent and Wayne Cochran. With a burning 16-piece R&B big band, Allyn takes the listener on a musical journey across the threshold where jazz intersects with soul, funk and rhythm & blues.

Allyn brought together some of New Orleans finest musicians to record an incredible mix of original tunes by bassist and musical director Chuck Archard, as well as some exciting new arrangements of classics by Jaco Pastorius, Willie Tee, The Gaturs, Dizzy Gillespie and Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders.

Enjoy the tracks for free below!
Click here to open the liner notes while listening!

Click here to purchase from CD Baby!