Tad Robinson

Soul In Blue

Delmark Records

Tad Robinson is a Brooklyn born harmonica player, songwriter, and blue eyed soul singer. He moved to Chicago in 1985 to learn from the masters. In 1994 Tad released his debut recording “One To Infinity” on Delmark Records, featuring keyboardist Ken Saydeck and guitarist Dave Specter. His follow-up  album, also on Delmark was 1998’s “Last Go Round”. Tad signed with Severn Records and between 2004 and 2019 released five albums, the last being  “Real Street”. These five albums garnered Tad eleven Blues Music Award nominations, five for Soul Blues Album of The Year; Five as Soul Blues Male Artist of The Year, and an additional “Song of The Year” nomination for “Rained All Night”, written with Steve Gomes.

This is Tad’s eighth studio recording and third for Delmark Records. The lead off track “Keep It In The Vault” was written for Tad’s wife Amy.  Featured are guitarists Paul Holdman and Tomi Leino; Kevin Anker, keys; David Murray, bass; and Brian Yarde, drums. As Tad sings “you really blow my mind, you keep me out of trouble…when I think it’s all my fault, you keep it in the vault”.

“Out Of Sight And Out Of Mind”, co-written by Tad and keyboardist Alberto Marsico, as Tad chimes “you never thought it would come to this…left you  standing there with nothin’ goin on, out of sight and out of mind”. Also written by Tad and Marsico, with Alex Shultz, guitar and bass; “I can feel the vibration coming up the line, I don’t care…somewhere there’s a train…love will carry on on the engine of the soul…I don’t care where we been as long as we make it back”.

(I’m) Down To My Last Heartbreak”, written by Fosco T. Ervin and James Whittingham in 1963, was sung by Wilson Pickett, featured are Roosevelt Purifoy, Jr. organ; and guitarists Carlos Showers and Mike Wheeler; with  Larry Williams, bass; and Pooky Stvx, drums; “well, I’m down to my last heartache and I’m hoping you won’t break my heart in two, well I’m down to my last teardrop…I’m down, I’m down, can’t you see me cry”.

“Deeper Than You Think” written by Tad with Kevin Anker, includes the lyric “a good time friend, tried to help me through, with all the right intentions…but baby, it’s deeper than you think, it’s cool with me, if the sun don’t shine on… baby it’s deeper than you think”.

“It’s Private Tonight” is a 1969 cover of an Arthur Adams song, with Anker on  the keys, “close the door, and dim the light, I don’t wanna see anybody but my baby tonight…it’s private tonight, I just want my baby by my side…it’s private tonight”.

On, “Keep Your Heart Open For Love”, Tad evokes the plight of refugees in  contemporary America, with special guest guitarist Dave Specter, and some  great harp from Tad, as he chants “I wanna keep on movin’ I can’t go back home again”. “Up In The Air” is another topical song as Tad sings of economic uncertainty. written by Tad and Steve Gomes, it is a narrative about holding  onto love, when holding onto a job is tenuous; with more great harp from Tad,  it’s hard out here for the common man, everything up in the air, except for me and you”.

The last two songs are written solely by Tad, on “Forgive and Forget” with more great harmonica, Tad cries out “if you decide to come back home I’ll be waiting there for you…if you decide to come back home we can make it all brand new, if you can forgive and forget, that’s the thing we oughta do”. On the closer Tad croons “every day and every night…this time, we stay together, forever..this time”.

Four of the songs were recorded in Chicago with the Delmark All-Stars,  and six were recorded in Indianapolis at Tad’s home studio. Tad who  makes his home in Indiana has never spent a residency in Memphis; however, it is unthinkable that he should not receive a Blues Music Award.  Tad Robinson always brings wisdom and grace to his performances. Thank you Delmark Records for “Soul In Blue”.

Richard Ludmerer

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included