Neil Robinson Joined By Friends On New Album

Produced by Joe Henry, Nell Robinson Sings of her Family Lineage and Journey Through 250 Years of War & Service
Out November 4, 2014
Nell Robinson & The Rose of No-Man’s Land CD Out

Features Guests: John Doe, Kris Kristofferson, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and Maxine Hong Kingston

The songs of Nell Robinson & The Rose of No-Man’s Land integrate the heritage of her own Alabama family serving in 250 years of war. Most of the source material for the songs are from archived letters, documents, mementos and generational lore, all centered on war and service. Beginning with Revolutionary War to the present, Robinson weaves historic familial history with her lush vocal quality and artisan storytelling with musical guidance by Grammy Winning producer Joe Henry.

The album, Nell Robinson & The Rose of No-Man’s Land, is to be released November 4, 2014, distributed by Compass Records. A PBS Special will roll out late fall with the series ‘Music Gone Public.”

Her Scots-Irish relations have fought in just about every American conflict since the birth of the nation, right up through Iraq and Afghanistan. The origin of the album began on stage 7 years ago with “Soldier Stories” receiving a standing ovation at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. As the show evolved, the potent and non-partisan album revealed itself and began production under Henry’s direction in 2012.

On the record, special guests include musical, theater and literary icons: two-time Grammy Winner & National Medal of Arts recipient Ramblin’ Jack Elliott; actor, poet and musician John Doe; actor and songwriter Kris Kristofferson; as well, award-winning author Maxine Hong Kingston; and acclaimed actress Kathy Baker. Featured on the PBS cast are: Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, John Doe and Maxine Hong Kingston.

Joe Henry’s lucent production floats the songs and stories without weighing them down. The music is reverential without being solemn. Henry used her performing band as well as other musicians including: Grammy-winning Greg Liesz on slide guitar, whose list of credits include everything from Daft Punk, to Wilco and Bill Frisell; bluegrass favorite Jim Nunally (guitar, vocals); Levon Henry on clarinet; string stalwart Keith Little (mandolin, vocals); bassist David Piltch, who has played with Frisell, k.d. Lang, Richard Thompson; Zach Harmon (percussion); and Craig Eastman on fiddle who has not only scored movies, but played with Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, and Sheryl Crow to name a few.

“Wahatchee” is a story about Ann Hart, a historical figure from the Revolutionary War. “We are reported to be kin to her,” shares Robinson. “She was a Revolutionary War spy, a frontierswoman, good with a gun, fierce and powerful, known as “Wahatchee” meaning ‘war woman’ in the local Native American language. Home alone with her daughter Sukey, she managed to overtake some Redcoats that came to her house.”

Robinson wrote “Happy to Go” with Jim Nunally. “We wrote this song to capture the brotherhood (and sisterhood) bonds that develop in military and war,” says Robinson. “It is about the conflicts that often families have a difficult time understanding between loyalty to military units and their own families.”

Guy Clark and Rodney Crowell wrote two original songs for the album. Crowell contributed “Scots Irish” and Clark’s “Heroes” is about recent vets turning to suicide in greater numbers than active soldiers killed by enemy fire. As well, there are traditional songs and songs written by Johnny Cash and Bill Monroe.

Robinson will be touring extensively (dates below, with more to be announced) and in each tour city she will work with non-profits benefiting veterans. As an activist, she wants to draw attention and funds for the needs of veterans, especially in areas of healthcare and soul repair.

Confirmed dates with more to come…
Nell Robinson & The Rose of No-Mans Land
w/special guest Ramblin’ Jack Elliott

Oct 25 Freight & Salvage, Berkeley CA
Nov 1 Center for the Performing Arts, Grass Valley, CA
Nov 19 Boston, MA
Nov 21 Towne Crier, Beacon, NY
Nov 22 Joe’s Pub, New York, NY