Eddie GMElephant Song
PPM Records (2002)
The album’s title, Elephant Song, telegraphs the fact that it is anything but a conventional project. The song selection ranges from gospel funk to traditional gospel to Nigerian harmonies and rhythms. Robinson, rebranded as “Eddie GM,” describes the CD as “ahead of its time.” Although it was recorded ten years ago, Elephant Song still basks under its own sun.
For example, “I Belong to God” and “I Am” contain passages sung like funky chants, while a slamming bass guitar and squealing sax accompany “A Fresh Anointing.” House beats propel “On My Mind.” “He Understands” contains traditional lyrics dipped in a funky musical brew with a sanctified chaser for its vamp.
My taste runs to the CD’s more straightforward traditional pieces: Eddie GM’s piano, guitar and organ-driven section of the spiritual, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot;” and the bluesy “He’s Fixing It Right Now,” so old-school it sounds plucked from the Duncanaires’ trad repertory.
The title track—a faith-based fable about an elephant and an ant—is part of the Nigerian-inspired offerings accompanied by Chief Dr. Uwa Osimiri and the Otra Singers. “Nara Onyiye Anyi” is an Ibo prayer song. Anyone who enjoys the vocal harmony and mesmerizing rhythm of African song will enjoy this piece.
It’s sure a far cry from “One Step Closer,” but Elephant Song depicts the experimental side of Ed Robinson who has absorbed musical influences from around the world and is not afraid to use them.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “Swing Low (Part I),” “He’s Fixing It Right Now.”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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A powerful and beautiful Traditional Gospel song, “Jesus (The Name I Love),” by Eddie Robinson GM, is now available as a full-length single release at Amazon.com On this song,Eddie is joined by legendary artists, Loretta Oliver of Chicago, Tessie Hill & Quintella Caldwell, of Detroit.
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-The-Name-I-Love/dp/B004C9C51C
PPM Productions, Inc.
[email protected]
“Jesus(The Name I Love)” by Eddie Robinson GM, is a powerful traditional song released as a full length single. This cut is from his current CD titled, “Back on Track.” Guest artists include legendary Gospel artists, Loretta Oliver of Chicago, Tessie Hill & Quintella Caldwell, of Detroit.
“Jesus(The Name I Love)”
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-The-Name-I-Love/dp/B004C9C51C
PPM Productions, Inc.
[email protected]
Jesus(The Name I Love)” by Eddie Robinson GM, is a powerful traditional song released as a full length single. This cut is from his current CD titled, “Back on Track.” Guest artists include legendary Gospel artists, Loretta Oliver of Chicago, Tessie Hill & Quintella Caldwell, of Detroit.
“Jesus(The Name I Love)”
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-The-Name-I-Love/dp/B004C9C51C
PPM Productions, Inc.
[email protected]