Albums

After her debut album Loango charted in bluegrass and Americana in 2010, Nell Robinson was named one of the most "utterly charming," "freshest voices" in roots music, and likened to early Emmylou Harris and Hazel Dickens. Nell returns with her anticipated 2nd release with more of her original compositions, On the Brooklyn Road, titled after the red clay dirt road that led to her family’s farm in rural Alabama. The album was selected on many of the folk, Americana and bluegrass “Best of 2011” lists.

The album’s traditional and original songs are interspersed with field recordings of stories by her mother and uncles about an innocent time long since passed. 

On the Brooklyn Road was co-produced by Nell and Jim Nunally, who adds splendid harmonies that complement Robinson’s warm clear-as-a-bell lead vocals. Just listen to their chemistry on Richard Brandenburg’s tender ballad “Mayflies,” a highlight of the album. The backing musicians include John Reischman & the Jaybirds, Laurie Lewis, Rob Ickes and others. There are 2 bonus tracks by The Henriettas, which is her and Cary Sheldon’s tribute to the 1930’s sister act, the DeZurik Sisters. Their funny and intricate yodeling style has to be heard to be believed. 

There is something very charming and timeless going on in On the Brooklyn Road and the CD’s celebration of life in the rural South is not to be missed.

Nell Robinson’s debut album, Nell Robinson in Loango, features her warm, sexy vocals for new and traditional bluegrass and country music, and includes performances by album producers Laurie Lewis and Jim Nunally, and world-class musicians, including Keith Little, Tom Rozum, John Reischman & the Jaybirds and others.

The album closes with two bonus tracks by The Henriettas (Nell and Cary Sheldon), their revival of the 1930's sister's act, the Dezurik Sisters, whose barnyard novelty yodeling has tugged at our hearts and become an obsession. Cluck! Tony Marcus is the 1930's Radio Announcer.

I am deeply grateful to the world-class musicians who performed on this album. The songs produced by Jim Nunally feature John Reischman and the Jaybirds: Trisha Gagnon (bass), Nick Hornbuckle (banjo, percussion), Jim Nunally (guitar, steel slide guitar, vocals), John Reischman (mandolin), and Greg Spatz (fiddle), with guests Joe Craven (percussion), Keith Little and Kathy Kallick (harmonies). The songs produced by Laurie Lewis feature: Laurie Lewis (guitar, fiddle, vocals), Tom Rozum (mandolin, vocals), Todd Phillips (bass), and Patrick Sauber (banjo), with guests Chad Manning (fiddle) and Mike Witcher (dobro).