"Iceman" Robinson

Riler Robinson

b. March 8th, 1933 in Wynona (Mississippi)

I'VE NEVER BEEN LOVED

Fedora

September 2000

Né dans le Mississippi, il travaille dès son plus jeune âge dans la ferme familiale. Mis à la porte de chez lui, il s'installe à Chicago en 1956 et exerce différents métiers pour survivre. Habitant sur Justine Street, Riler fait notamment la connaissance du guitariste John Embry et joue avec lui à travers le South Side. Il participe aussi aux enregistrements de ce dernier pour le label Razor à la fin des années 70 (et réunis dans le LP "After work"). Il a mené une carrière de bluesman mais est resté dans l'ombre. Il a fallu que le producteur Chris Millar le remarque pour qu'enfin il puisse graver ce qui demeure son seul album. Bien supporté par Frank Goldwasser (guitare rythmique), Willie Kent (basse) et Chris Millar (batteur), il propose une superbe tranche d'un blues brut et terrien qui ne laisse pas indifférent. La tracklist se révèle particulièrement intense avec des morceaux comme "My baby's comin' home", "Too old a cat", "I have a need", "I've never been loved", "Workin' man", "Waitin' on my baby".

Born in Mississippi, he worked on the family farm from an early age. After being forced to leave home, he settled in Chicago in 1956 working various jobs to make ends meet. While living on Justine Street, Riler met guitarist John Embry and played with him across the South Side. He also participated in Embry's late-1970's recording sessions for the Razor label (later compiled on the "After work" LP). Although he pursued a career as a bluesman, he remained largely out of the spotlight. It took the attention of producer Chris Millar for him to finally record what remains his only album. Backed by Frank Goldwasser (rhythm guitar), Willie Kent (bass) and Chris Millar (drums), he delivers a superb slice of raw, down-home blues that makes a lasting impression. The tracklist is particularly intense, featuring songs such as "My baby's comin' home", "Too old a cat", "I have a need", "I've never been loved", "Workin' man", "Waitin' on my baby".