Musician wings it at packed Cinemat show last Saturday

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson’s tortured lyrics and gentle guitar strumming left audience members somber when he headlined with openers Sam Lowry & the Circumstance and Red Bird on Saturday night at The Cinemat.

About 70 spectators, all bundled in winter attire, filed in and lined the walls of the intimate setting, anticipating the
performances.

Freshman Bradley Williams said he was “expecting a performance worthy of Spin magazine’s praise.”

Recently, Spin.com reported that Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson has “a killer live presence.”

After Lowry’s band finished its set, Bloomington’s own Red Bird performed. Red Bird’s performance was a high point in the night for many audience members.

“Red Bird was my favorite part of the night, as usual, mainly due to the lead singer’s intense vocal delivery and guitar skills,” sophomore Adam Peterson said.

After Red Bird’s set, Robinson took to the stage with backing band member David Morrin to close the night with a set of dirges and personal laments.

Robinson opened his set with a politically-minded song to match the fervent atmosphere surrounding the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

“Last night I dedicated this song to the 43rd president of the United States,” Robinson said before performing a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “The Butcher.”

Other than songs from his LP, Robinson’s set featured a smattering of Leonard Cohen covers and a rendition of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

Throughout the set, Robinson and Morrin switched off playing acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard.

“David Morrin has been playing with me for three years,” Robinson said. “He is the only consistent band member I’ve had.”

Robinson explained the machinations and frustrations of touring and keeping inventory.

“The van broke down in Ohio because of the cold,” he said. “Also, I lost the set list. I’m winging it.”

Robinson kept up the political theme of his performance when he dedicated Leonard Cohen’s “The Old Revolution” – a song about hope in a time of tribulation – to President-elect Obama.

After an impassioned show, Robinson ended the night with a piano solo. Upon receiving applause, Robinson walked offstage and into the audience to speak with fans and spectators about his music and expectations for the future.

“I’m excited about my next record,” Robinson said. “It is produced by Kyp Malone of TV On The Radio, and he sings all over it.”