My God, am I in the shadow of greatness or what? Christopher Robin is an incredible talent. A first class guitar player, singer and song writer. How could he be anything less then top shelf when he has cut his teeth with the likes of Gregg Allman, Marshall Tucker Band, Lee Sklar, Jimmy Hall, Jessi Colter, Don Was, Bee Spears, Tony Joe White, Steve Cropper, Reggie Young, and Richie Albright. If that isn't good enough, his all-star band has opened for such heavy weights as B.B King, Robert Cray, Los Lobos, Charlie Daniels, Clint Black, Toby Keith, Shooter Jennings, John Hiatt, Jerry Douglas, Rosanne Cash, Peter Frampton, Derek Trucks, Robin Trower, Buddy Guy, Debbie Davies, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Dickey Betts just to name a few. Even Willie Nelson speaks highly of this guy.

So with all this going for him why would a review from and Independent website such as EvO:R be important to the Christopher Robin Band?

Personally, I don't care. I'm just honored to be reviewing this guy.

Christopher's quest for "Truth" in his music has always been deeply rooted in travel and story telling. Having had residency in seven different states Christopher has developed a catalog of songs, which are all stories about his life experiences. "They're about all the things I've done." Christopher says, "From sailing on tall ships off of Martha's Vineyard to being a cowboy in Colorado. From playing for Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses in Europe, to the Hells Angels in California." Chris is emerging as the Kenny Chesney of the southern roots rock scene.

Actually, Chris is anything but a Kenny Chesney want-a-be. He is TALL, good looking (doesn't need to hide under a big cowboy hat), he's humble, a great story teller, a killer guitar player and has a stunning stage presence. This kid has everything going for him except a multi-million dollar recording contract.

Now about the CD!

I made a mistake a few months ago while updating a few pages on the EvO:R website. I uploaded an older page to my contact section which listed my old Macon, Georgia address. This CD along with many others had been sent to this older address. Maybe my Macon address and that geographical connection to the Allman Brothers was why the CD was mailed to me in the first place. Whatever the situation the band and management team where patient with me as I had to get the CD's forwarded to my current Florida address. During the wait I studied Christophers website and read about his life and sampled his music.

From what I was able to see, Chris does everything first class. His website is first rate using dynamic HTML and Flash to portray his message. The website is clean and well laid out. I really enjoyed the way the webmaster was able to make the site so easy to navagate and enjoy. The site is full of multi-media which is perfect for the modern high tech website. As soon as you enter the website music from the new CD begins playing and will remain playing while you browse the site unless you turn off the player. The band is top shelf with no short falls at any instrument including back up vocals.

Chris plays his guitar in the classic style of Dickie Betts with a Les Paul tone that is clear with just enough distortion to get his message out. A great example of his chops can be heard on his website. Visit Christopher Robin Band.com and click the #8 in the preview section. The song "949 Steiner" will load and play. This song was not on the CD I am reviewing but what a killer instrumental that is a true tribute to his work with members of the Allman Brothers. Christopher is no slouch unplugged as well. Listen to track #8 'Leipers Fork' on the new CD to hear his great acoustic guitar chops. Vocally, Chris has a bit of a Gregg Allman southern rasp to him. Unlike gregg, you can easily understand every word that he sings with full clarity and detail.

What I would love to hear

I would love to hear a real ballad from Chris. His soulfull voice is ripe for the taking and a ballad could be a huge success. It seems like every major artist has at least one great ballad that defines his/her musicial career.
George Harrison- Something
Willie Nelson- Your always on my mind
Allman Brothers- Melissa
and the list could go on and on for days.

Conclusion:
Chris is deeply rooted musicially in the south but lives and currently tours in the northeast. That is a shame! We would love to have him hit the Florida/Georgia concert scene soon. I am now a BIG Christopher Robin Band Fan! We have posted links to audio samples and links to video clips so you can enjoy the band as much as we have.

Links to music samples from the CD
/ Truth / Down the Road / Back To the Bay / All Mans Dreams / Fightin Words / Picture Perfect Misery / Strength of Just One Man / Leipers Fork Come and Go / Peace Or A Piece of Fame / Total Eclipse / Forever / Hardest Goodbye /

Watch the Christopher Robin Band videos compliments of youtube.com

           

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