J.R. Robinson
“The King of Groove”
JOHN "J.R." ROBINSON
Iowan native, Grammy winning drummer John JR Robinson, celebrates 50 years of music making. John JR’s world-renowned versatility and groove have made him one of the most prolific and sought-after drummers in the industry whose musicianship has helped define the pop, R&B, and jazz era for the last half century. No one will forget JR’s landmark fill which introduces the iconic smash hit, “Rock With You,” from Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall (an essential piece of pop music history) or his acrobatic, finessed touch that launches Steve Winwood’s No. 1 hit, “Higher Love” from Back in the High Life.
With 30 No.1 all-time hit records, 10,000 recording sessions for albums, movie and TV soundtracks, JR has joined the exclusive ranks as the most recorded drummer in history. His signature ‘groove’ played a part in over 60 Grammy winning records, over 200 Billboard Hot 100 songs as well as more than ½ billion units sold, earning him a permanent spot in Rolling Stone Magazine’s “The Top 100 Drummers of All Time” list.
John JR Robinson's illustrious career was built by working with some of the greatest minds and artists in music history including; the quintessential producer Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Ray Charles, Lady Gaga, Peter Frampton, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Daft Punk, Madonna, Lionel Richie, The Pointer Sisters, Stevie Nicks, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, David Foster, Steve Winwood, John Fogerty, David Lee Roth, Herbie Hancock, Toby Keith, Clint Black, Eric Clapton, Brothers Johnson, Marvin Hamlisch and Barbra Streisand, plus a dictionary-sized list of other legendary musicians and music leaders, all of whom specifically requested JR to add his ‘signature groove’ to their genius.
Some of J.R.’s number-one hits include:
JR’s SRT
In an era where music is created virtually in bedrooms and basements, SRT is creating modern music the old fashioned way: live, together in the studio. Session ace Andrew Synowiec, drumming legend John "J.R." Robinson, and jazz phenom Mitch Towne have formed a power trio with one foot in the past and one foot in the future.
ANDREW SYNOWIEC
You may not know Andrew Synowiec by name, but chances are you’ve heard his Grammy-winning guitar playing. Andrew is a multi-faceted session musician with credits like The Who’s #1 album Who, the blockbuster film Frozen (including the infectious "Let It Go"), and countless commercial and indie projects. With his collection of nearly 100 stringed instruments, he has recorded for artists ranging from M83 to Michael Bublé and producers like Bob Rock and David Foster. Andrew has contributed to albums selling over 10 million copies worldwide and more than 25 Grammy-nominated recordings, including his own 2015 Grammy Award as a member of the acclaimed LA Big Band "Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band."
Andrew’s live performances have covered the globe from Madison Square Garden to the Tokyo Blue Note. He has appeared on every major network and accompanied artists such as Ariana Grande, Elton John and the LA Philharmonic.
MITCH TOWNE
Mitch Towne is a Grammy-nominated keyboardist and touring musician. His ability to move seamlessly between diverse styles has made him a sought-after side-man with artists as varied as multi-platinum artists John "J.R." Robinson and Aloe Blacc, jazz/R&B artist and Grammy-winning producer Terrace Martin, jazz heavyweights Ryan Kisor, Matt Wilson, Dave Stryker, Jerry Bergonzi, Troy Roberts and Dan Wilson, and blues artist Eric Gales.
In 2015, Towne played organ on the track "Push" for the album “Velvet Portraits” by Terrace Martin, which was nominated for a 2016 Grammy for "Best R&B" album.