“Smooth” is an adjective often associated with Jesse Robinson”s rich repertoire of blues and jazz. The “seventh son, thirteenth child, baby boy, and a preacher”s son” first picked up a guitar at 6 years old and hasn”t set it down yet.
The Columbus Arts Council brings this statesman of the blues back to Columbus Thursday, April 30, to make music with Bob Damm on drums and David Reese on keyboard at the Omnova Theater in the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
From 1981 to 1986, Robinson, of Jackson, was the bandleader for blues singer Bobby Rush and went on to found the late-night blues tradition at Jackson”s Subway Lounge. He was featured in the 2003 documentary film about the Subway, “Last of the Mississippi Jukes.”
He is a popular college guest lecturer on blues and has been frequently tapped by the Mississippi Economic Development Authority to perform at functions showcasing the state. A song he co-wrote with jazz singer Cassandra Wilson appeared on her 2004 “Belly of the Sun” album. He continues to perform extensively with his band, 500 Pounds of Blues.
For more information about the local performance, contact the Columbus Arts Council at 662-328-2787.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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