REVIEWS

"Robert Griffin is one of my main "go to" guys when it comes to hiring a session player for my recording projects. He always comes up with the most memorable parts, and can instantly adapt to whatever crazy thing I throw at him. He's made my productions sound great, and made me look good for years!"

John Plymale, record producer, March 2010

“Three of Whalen’s Zippers band mates show up to support, bolstered by superlative ivory work from Robert Griffin"

David Menconi, News and Observer june 15, 1999

"Robert Griffin is one of the most joyous musicians I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. As a soloist he takes me to the moon. As a part of the rhythm section he drags me down the greasy streets of New Orleans. All to my delight. On his newest CD, "Aint My Kinda Strange", he finds his way to the humor, sweetness and sorrow that makes life and music such a vexingly grand experience. Sweet and sour soup, served up with amazing musical delivery. Check it out. I dare you."

Chris Phillips of Squirrel Nut Zippers

"In Spare Music, Griffanzo spins his “Strange” stories. Triangle pianist and singer Robert Griffin (alias Griffanzo) is a lyricist in the mode of Mose Allison, Dr. John, and Tom Waits, meaning that his musical stories are full of irony, social and political commentary and bizarre fun. “Ain’t My Kinda Strange” (Griffanzo), which includes eight of his originals, finds him in full flower on all counts, assisted by local band mates Don Gladstone (bass), Frank Worrell (drums), Ray Codrington (trumpet), Rodney Marsh (tenor saxophone), Carter Minor (harmonica and backup vocals) and several guest. Griffin, Gladstone and Worrell lay down a bluesy, elemental foundation, and the pianist’s solos run on the spare, barebones bebop side (the title cut and “Girl #0024”) except when he admits in more romantic moonlight (“Fred Was Here”). Codrington offers several bebopish solos, each a gem of phrasing, poise and emotional lure. Marsh rouses the troops with soulful turns - exactly what a tenor player is supposed to do - on “Girl #0024” and “Monsanto Is Changing Our Genes”. A string trio graces “Fred Was Here”, and Taz Halloween harmonizes with Griffin on “Katrina, Katrina”. Griffin has been touring lately with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. It appears that the gig has had a healthy impact on his considerable talents."

Owen Cordle, The News & Observer