What a crazy weekend we've got coming up. I've spent the last two weeks rehearsing two bands getting ready to hit the road. This Friday, I'll be opening for Willie Nelson again. I am so excited about the show. We have more friends flying in this year from Texas. My sister will be in the band this year- she's awesome- can play just about anything and sings like a powerful angel. She's going to play mandolin on a few tunes and lend her beautiful bgv's. Her husband is also going to be playing in the band. He was the Christian rock band Jars of Clay's drummer for 7 years. He's toured all over the world- he's truly an amazing drummer- I'm not just saying that because he's my bro in law either :). Plus, Dave Childress and Gary Ishee who played with me at the last Willie show, will be backing me up on bass and electric again. These guys are right on! They are my brothers in music. I am so spoiled and blessed to be working with such great musicians. Right after the show, I'll be flying to San Antone to do my first show at Gruene Hall - one of the most renowned bars in Texas. I'll be opening for another one of my heroes: Hal Ketchum. My good friend's Vinnie, Andy, and Eddie will be backing me up. Again, I could go on and on about their amazing talents. It's a real joy to jam with these guys.

The whole weekend will be documented on video for The Musicians Network. So there won't be much down time. Then next week, we'll have the album release party in Arlington, Texas- my hometown.

For some reason, I'm not nervous. Maybe it's just all too overwhelming to comprehend at once.

Man alive, I feel like I won the lottery. All the hard work is starting to pay off at once.

I guess I'll just take it one day, one show at a time.

Posted by Robin English at 06:23 PM | Permalink

I'm no prophet, but what's the phrase? A prophet's never welcome in her home town? I grew up in a family jam and left home wanting to take on the world with my songs. I've been to radio stations all over Texas this year- 45 stations, from Oklahoma down to Corpus, from Abilene to Nacogdoches. It's ironic that here close to the end of my radio tour, I am home to visit the Ranch in Fort Worth and doing tv on channel 8 in Dallas in the morning.

It's easy to be cocky and spout off when you're out of town, but you gotta really check your facts when you come home cause they know where you live and they knew you when you were going through those awkward chubby stages long before you plucked your eyebrows or straightened your teeth. They were there when you were learning to play guitar, when you made more noise than music, and long before you had a clue about interview's or radio tours. They might have thought you had potential, but they were hard to impress.

I've been around the world honing my skills, writing songs, getting ready for the day when I could come back home and show 'em all that the promises I made about my dreams came true.

Life doesn't always turn out like you plan or hope. I was in the Sony witness protection plan for almost 4 prime years. I poured over an album for two years that never came out, but I knew I wasn't finished. I asked to be released from Sony and almost two years later, I was. Then I had to decide- do I want another major deal- do I want to stand in line for another 2 years and then still not have the guarantee of a chance to be heard? No, we took the bull by the horns and decided to go indie.

I'm happy to report we are climbing the Texas chart.
I'm happy to report that I just did an interview for the Top 20 Texas Countdown with Chuck Taylor that will air Sunday May 6th at 10 am Central Texas Time!
There's no greater feeling than coming full circle to do what you do in your hometown.

Posted by Robin English at 10:02 PM | Permalink

Cool My Wheels

The hard work is finally starting to pay off: I just entered the Texas chart last week and we're getting great response. My new single is a true story about my grandmother who grew up on a Cotton Field. It's all true except for the part about telling me to "keep on pickin till my fingers bleed." She would never have wanted me to hurt myself for anything.

My only living grandmother is my mom's mom. She says I need to write a song about her. She's right. It's not for lack of inspiration. She's a almond green eyed, blond haired, hotpink lipstick wearing, Edith Piaf swallow your face glasses sportin', hip grandmother who's 80 something and still won't say how old she is. She plays ragtime piano-always in the key of F. She's always had a talent for painting fields of flowers in bloom, fluffy clouds, ladies in dresses, cats in the sunshine.

A few years ago, she got remarried to an older man- he's 90. They were neighbors back in the 40's. Their children were born days apart. They reconnected as friends while my grandfather was suffering from Parkinson's and while his wife was slipping off into Alzheimer's. After their spouses passed, their friendship turned to love. My Nana had never been on a plane, much less lived outside of Ft. Worth, Texas. Now she's married to a retired Airforce pilot and they live in Georgia. He built her a workspace where they share their love of painting. She said, "Darlin, the Good Lord didn't mean for me to be alone."

Somebody asked me on the radio tour if I ever get lonely or if being on the road affects my social life. I really try to make an effort to reconnect with my loved ones on the weekend and when I can. I believe that life is more about relationships than a career. I try to find a balance- it's not easy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. There's a time to push and a time to relax. A time to stir it up and a time to settle down.

Right now, it's time to decompress and slow down.

I woke up coming down, feeling a little numb.
Went to visit a friend on his last lap in the hospital- cancer of the spine. Dear sweet man- skin and bones, emaciated face, clear blue eyes shining, smiling.

Pulled me close to his chest like a loving father- love, swirling all around- that hug made me dizzy with peace and stopped me in my tracks.

Then I was off to the nursing home- my other friend moved from the assisted living to the Alzheimer's wing after a nasty fall when that chair reached up and grabbed hold of her in the dark. That's all she sees now- dark shadows. She says "it's 9 at night all day long." Feels like she's losing her mind or going to see God soon. I said I feel like I'm losing my mind sometimes. She said, "yeah, but at least you always find it again." She's 85.

There were 5 of us sitting lined up in the Rec room in front of the tv: 1) James, who's over 100- he was snapping at pointing at the fish in the aquarium as if to say- I see you- stop that- stay where you are. He kept talking about driving trucks in South Florida. He'd say something and then giggle like he had said something really funny. Then there was Mrs.W., my friend, rubbing her head- she skipped lunch- not feeling well today- never herself these days. 3) a sweet smily lady who couldn't remember who gave her her pretty necklace made of seashells- said "maybe you'll find another way to be happy" when Mrs. W said she didn't want to go to the movie because she couldn't see. 4) Bonnie, Mrs.W's roommate- she is real talkative and energetic- says "you sure are cute" everytime I'm there. and 5) me, worn out, a little sad and taking it all in.

I asked Mrs. W if she'd like me to come play guitar and sing for her. She said, "I don't know if they'd enjoy that or not." I just laughed. She's always been pretty blunt. One time she said: are you gettin' fat? Just last week I took her to my condo to see my parents and nephew. We sang songs and ate lunch. She said, "you know, I don't think I would have had as much fun if it was just you and me." Don't get me wrong- she's always saying how God sent me to her and what a blessing I am in her life. I know she would never want to hurt my feelings.

About a minute after I asked her, she turns to Bonnie and says proudly:Bonnie, Robin plays guitar and she's going to come play for us. Bonnie says: Ohh, we'll love that. I asked what song she'd like me to sing and she said "whichever one you do real well that you like." I said I like to do "It Is Well With My Soul," "Power In The Blood," and "In the Garden." Then Bonnie started in singing: I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses..." Then the lady next to her joined in, Mrs.W added a low harmony and I chimed in softly, so I could still hear them. The old man had nodded off and we broke out into laughter at the end of the first chorus.

These are the gigs that matter most.

Posted by Robin English at 06:42 PM | Permalink

Can you feel it? Everything is coming back to life again. It's time to open the windows and get some fresh air. That's what I did tonight- sat under a tree in the boondocks staring up at the moon and stars through the trees- sitting beside the campfire I made with my 8 year old nephew. I've been on a radio tour since the beginning of February and got to see my family for the weekend. Week number 5 starts Monday. I have been from Hugo, Oklahoma to Corpus Christi and from Lubbock back up to Oklahoma City. I have lived in Texas most of my life and never knew just how beautiful it really is. I need a moment... (tear, snub, take a breath) okay. Texas pride can get on a person's nerves from time to time. I know- outsiders don't understand. But driving through the canyons of West Texas and the Hill Country or along the coast, I couldn't help but say, "No Wonder." It's big, it's beautiful, it's rugged, it's proud and so am I. The bluebonnets are blooming and Spring is in the air.

Posted by Robin English at 11:27 PM | Permalink

As you can see from the journal- I have been all over this continent lookin' for love and inspiration. Come on radio- give me some LUUUURRRRV!!!! I have met so many new friends along the way. I am glad to have a few days to catch my breathe before we head back out next week.

Tomorrow, I'll be in the studio recording a song called "Feed The Child" a song that is being recorded in many languages to raise money to help stop hunger. I was asked to translate the song into french and sing it. I am so excited about it. Ray Kennedy is recording it at his place. He's one of the coolest producers I know- very organic and edgy. He did Reckless Kelly's latest album and I met him when I sang bgv's on their album.

Posted by Robin English at 05:57 PM | Permalink