The Allyn Robinson Project

Biography

Allyn Robinson, a renowned New Orleans native and R&B drummer, began his musical journey at age 6 when he rescued a marching drum from a compost fire, igniting a passion that has spanned over 40 years. Born and raised in the Crescent City, he honed his skills playing with drum corps and school bands, starting professionally at age 16 due to his impeccable sense of time and mastery of styles from shuffles to funk, R&B, 2nd Line, and Zydeco. His signature cadence, blending 50s R&B bedrock with classic New Orleans rhythms, quickly established him as the city's best-kept secret, electrifying audiences with the heartbeat of New Orleans in his soul.[1][5]

In 1971, at age 20, Robinson landed a transformative gig with Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders, staying until 1975 and recording the landmark 1972 Epic Records album 'Cochran' at Columbia Studios in San Francisco. This period saw him perform alongside luminaries like Jaco Pastorius, Charles Brent, Red Rodney, Lee Thornburg, and Al Silvestri, forging high-energy soul grooves that left indelible marks on witnesses. Throughout his career, he collaborated with icons including Professor Longhair, Tab Benoit, Dr. Hook, Ernie K-Doe, Irma Thomas, Frankie Ford, Eddie Bo, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry, while maintaining a presence in New Orleans music scenes.[1][4]

Robinson's legacy endures through projects like his 2011 debut album and the 2013 release 'Dreams Realized, My Life In Music' with The Allyn Robinson Project—a 16-piece R&B big band tribute to Pastorius, Brent, and Cochran, featuring New Orleans finest and blending jazz, soul, funk, and R&B. Featured in Modern Drummer magazine, his influence extends via clinics teaching New Orleans drumming history from original brass bands, solidifying his role as a master preserving the city's rhythmic heritage.[1][2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• At age 6, Allyn rescued his first drum—a marching drum—from a compost fire, marking the start of his lifelong dedication.[1][5]
• Peter Erskine attributes his successful audition with Weather Report partly to the 'rhythm comfort zone' he absorbed from hearing Allyn's playing on the Cochran album.[1]
• Allyn teaches New Orleans drumming history starting from original brass bands circa 1870 through school clinics and lectures.[4]
• He performed with legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry, embodying the New Orleans melting pot across genres.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Earl Palmer - Early recorded influence on New Orleans drumming style (Recordings that introduced Robinson to the style) [Pre-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Wayne Cochran - Band leader with The C.C. Riders (Cochran album (1972), live performances) [1971-1975]
• Jaco Pastorius - Bassist in Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders (Cochran album, live performances including 'Amelia' (1973)) [1971-1975]
• Charles Brent - Fellow musician and bandmate, later honored in tribute album (Wayne Cochran performances, Dreams Realized (2013)) [1970s-2013]
• Luther Kent - Frequent performer in Trick Bag and various configurations (Trick Bag (1979 onward), The Bobby Bland Songbook) [1979-present]
• Chuck Archard - Bassist and musical director for Allyn Robinson Project (Dreams Realized, My Life In Music (2013)) [2013]
• Tab Benoit - Blues performances and recordings (Various gigs) [Recent decades]

Artists Influenced

• Peter Erskine - Drum legend credited Robinson's playing as key influence on his rhythm comfort zone, leading to Jaco Pastorius recommending him to Weather Report (Early chemistry with Jaco Pastorius) [1970s]

External Links

• Spotify