Terry Robb, NiaSounds to release new album Confessin' My Dues, kicking-off West Coast tour
Limited Edition Advance Release March 1, available worldwide May 31
NiaSounds is pleased to announce a new album by Terry Robb, hailed as one of the finest fingerstyle blues guitarists on the international scene. Confessin’ My Dues marks the second release from Robb on NiaSounds, and his 15th solo recording.
Confessin’ My Dues will be available worldwide May 31, 2019 at online retailers and streaming services such as Amazon, Apple Music and Pandora, with preorder available now at Apple Music. The worldwide release is preceded by two Limited Edition Advance Release concerts in Robb’s hometown of Portland, Ore., and a solo promotional tour of the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, California and Texas.
On Friday, March 1, Robb gave a special in-store solo performance of Confessin’ My Dues at Music Millennium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the landmark music retailer, sending the album to #1 in sales in its debut week. On Friday, March 8, NiaSounds and the Cascade Blues Association presented the Confessin’ My Dues Limited Edition Advance Release concert with Robb’s full band at The Secret Society Ballroom to a sold-out audience. Robb then took to the road for more than 30 solo performances at theaters, listening rooms and performing arts centers from Victoria to Berkeley, including a prestigious showcase at SXSW. Confessin’ My Dues Limited Edition Advance Release CDs are available at Music Millennium and all tour venues.
In Confessin' My Dues, Robb draws on his deep knowledge of Delta blues, ragtime and swing in 13 original compositions ranging from blistering instrumental blues and stunning ragtime fingerpicking to soulful singing backed by a powerhouse rhythm section. At The Secret Society Ballroom, he was joined onstage by renowned jazz musicians Gary Hobbs and Dave Captein, whose skillful playing is featured throughout the album, along with rising blues guitarist Adam Scramstad.
Drawing from the well of country blues to Coltrane, ragtime to Hendrix, Americana to American Primitivism, Confessin’ My Dues represents a lifetime of musical experiences and influences for Robb. “I wanted a modern take on familiar themes without leaving tradition behind,” says Robb. “I’ve been wanting to record with Gary and Dave for a long time. They are world class musicians, and I knew they would bring a fresh and unique approach to what I was after.”
Confessin’ My Dues will captivate listeners with its melodic and rhythmic invention and musical virtuosity. With Hobbs on drums and Captein on upright bass, there is a sensitive yet intense interplay between Robb and his rhythm section. “Sonically, I wanted the album to be both intimate and powerful,” says Robb.
To capture that musical interplay, Robb turned to Dennis Carter, veteran sound engineer and owner of Falcon Recording Studios. Carter is a mainstay in the Pacific Northwest recording scene, and Robb’s longtime studio collaborator. Together they have produced countless recordings. With Carter among the recording credits, the album boasts three Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductees. Robb, Captein and Carter are members of the illustrious group of Oregon music industry all-stars.
“Every release that Terry Robb puts out is a cause to celebrate,” says Greg Johnson, president, Cascade Blues Association. “There are not many guitarists in the blues or any genre that you can come by that are as detailed and clever with their creativity. Confessin’ My Dues is yet another example of Terry Robb doing what he does best – leaving us with a sense of awe and joy with every note he plays. It’s a winning formula that continues to lead the pack.”
As producer, Robb ensured the album captures the intensity of his live performances, and his mastery of acoustic and bottleneck guitars is on full display. Whether backed by his rhythm section or flying solo, he moves deftly between instrumental tunes and lyrical numbers. “I’m very excited to bring this group of musicians – Gary, Dave, Adam and myself – together for the first time. From jazz enthusiasts to blues aficionados, to lovers of Americana and instrumental guitar, Confessin’ My Dues offers something for everyone.”
While supplies last, order your Limited Edition Advance Release CD from Music Millennium by phone or email.
Or preorder Confessin’ My Dues on Apple Music, and get the track “How A Free Man Feels” today!
Watch Terry Robb and his all-star rhythm section play a medley of songs from his new album Confessin’ My Dues, available worldwide May 31, 2019, and at select tour dates as a special Limited Edition Advance Release beginning March 1.
Medley: “How A Free Man Feels” / “It Might Get Sweaty” / “Butch Holler Stomp” / “Heart Made of Steel”, performed by Terry Robb (acoustic guitar), Gary Hobbs (drums) and Dave Captein (upright bass).