nellrobinson
Bio: "....utterly won me over, charmed me silly." Sing Out! Magazine Described variously as “a modern-day Patsy Cline” and one of the “freshest voices in roots music,” and compared to early Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Hazel Dickens, Hilary Perkins, aka Nell Robinson, has come full circle on her musical journey. Singing since she was a young child in Alabama, whether in the church choir or the colorful backyard musicals she orchestrated with her friends, Perkins paid homage to her Southern roots by taking the name of her grandmother, Nell Robinson, when she moved on to professional stages and studios. Following on from Nell Robinson in Loango (2009), Nell Robinson On the Brooklyn Road (2011), and House & Garden (2013), recorded with Jim Nunally, her latest album, Nell Robinson & The Rose of No-Man’s Land, is her fourth studio album, and integrates the heritage of her own Alabama family serving in 250 years of war. From the Revolutionary War to the present, Robinson weaves historic familial history in the form of letters, stories and poetry with original songs from herself, Jim Nunally, Rodney Crowell and Guy Clark, traditional pieces, and modern classics from Johnny Cash and Gene Scheer. Her lush vocal quality and artisan storytelling tie it all together, with musical guidance by Grammy Winning producer Joe Henry. 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. The album, Nell Robinson & The Rose of No-Man’s Land, is to be released November 4, 2014, distributed by Compass Records, and a national tour commences October 24. A PBS Special will roll out late fall with the series ‘Music Gone Public.”
Nell Robinson 