NEWS

Audibles
By David Coonce, The Scene
July 8, 2004

NEW DISC FROM LOCAL DUO

The new disc by Mark Robinson and Rex Miller, called MR RM, is out now.

These two long-established Bloomington musicians — drummer Miller and guitarist Robinson have played in dozens of combos over the last 20-plus years — have collaborated to release this new disc, composed almost entirely of Robinson and Miller's original material.

The album kicks off with the "carpe diem" statement, "Life is Short." "Life is short/You can't afford to waste a minute," is one example of the simple but effective lyrics which, along with Miller's dedication of the album to Tom Donohue, seem to reflect on the various people over the years locally who left us too soon, and the need to make every moment count. The song is anchored by Robinson's rough-hewn, lightly distorted chords and a swelling Hammond organ that gives the track a sonic depth to match the lyrical introspection.

The album continues in a mid-tempo roots-rock vein for its first half, highlights including the good-natured light funk of "Fish on the Square," a wry look at Bloomington and its various quirks and amenities. "Memory Room," a Miller-sung ballad, is another highlight, augmented by Sophia Travis' vibrant accordion and backup vocals by Travis and Sallie Moore.

The album kicks into high gear with the next track, the rocker "Waiting on Your Call," highlighted by Robinson's jumpy blues soloing. "I Got Drunk Down in New Orleans" is another bouncy track, with help on the backups by the Wild Raccoons crew that invades Bloomington every Mardi Gras.

This isn't music that's out to change the world, but it is a fine document of two veteran local musicians who have paid their dues and still find joy in playing music. The forays into soul, blues, funk and rock 'n' roll are confident and assured, and they give some idea of the musical pedigree of Miller, Robinson and their collaborators, including John Orie Stith, Rick Kinser, Jenn Cristy, Ron Kadish and many more.

Rex Miller and Mark Robinson will be playing a CD release show at 8:30 Saturday night at Second Story. Cover is $4.

E-mail audibles@heraldt.com. Call 331-4322, Ext. 613.