Twisted Roots' Sonny Robinson talks about the present, sees the future
Still going strong after 20 years, Twisted Roots isn't just rock n' roll, it is a Portland establishment. I went out for a night on the town with T.R. drummer Robinson and discovered there is much more to this metalhead than meets the eye.
Robinson and I share rehearsal space off Forest Avenue, where he practices with his other project, Heart Shaped Rock, a female-fronted rock ensemble.
Having been previously acquainted, I was aware of his talents as a skilled drummer and gifted visual artist. His artistic creations consist of abstract and realistic portraiture and landscape oils on canvas. Stones & Stuff, a Portland art gallery at 556 Congress St., currently displays a collection of his work titled 'Owls, Elephants and Angels'.
Though I've known Robinson as a man of many talents, he took me by surprise when he revealed his vocation as a medium, a person who communicates with the spirit realm or, more crassly, talks to dead people.
He took my surprise to a whole new level by treating me to an impromptu session: Robinson informed me that my grandmother and a lost friend of a friend had, unbenounced, joined us for our consumption of dirty martinis. While I won't elaborate, I'll tell you it was one happy hour I'll never forget.
Turns out I'm not the only one who's a believer in this rockin' psychic. Edward will be featuring Robinson on his popular program, "Cross Country", this summer. Robinson attended a taping of the show, which matches Edward with those seeking comfort in the death of loved ones, in 2007.
During the taping, Robinson asked the host how he honed his abilities. His interest piqued, a producer pulled Robinson aside after the show and told him that Edward would like to interview him for a special feature on the show, which will air in September.
In the meantime Robinson will be doing what he's done so well for eighteen years with rock pillar Twisted Roots.
Pete Giordano (vocals, guitar), Mark Lennon (Bass), Mr. Powers (lead guitar) and Robinson came together in the service of rock in 1990. They released their 10th album "12 Skies Fire and The Black" late last year and recently opened for Ozzy Osbourne at The Civic Center in Portland. It's a mystery that one of Portland's best-established rock groups received their very first nomination in The Portland Phoenix's "Best of Music Poll" this year.
Twisted recently signed with Rat Pack Records, which released "12 Skies" on a national level. They rock The Big Easy on Market Street in Portland on March 29th with Heart Shaped Rock.