SIMULBLOGGED FROM RIPEYAMS.COM
There is something inherently theatrical about Black Rock - or maybe just Rock in general. I was reminded of this fact most recently when I had the opportunity to check out the new musical “Passing Strange” at The Belasco theater in NYC.

A seated performance clocking in at over two and one half hours, “Passing Strange” is not my typical fare (truth be told I cringe during most musicals), but the story was compelling and the guitars were shredding. Lyricist Stew, who undoubtedly cribbed the fanciful tale of bourgeoisie Black Bohemia from his own experience growing up an outsider in LA, pays homage to Jimmy Hendrix, Prince, Little Richard and the like with an untethered brand of Soulful Rock.

Stew is part of a vanguard in Black music bringing the all-important rock fuel back around to popular vernacular. But this isn’t a post about Stew, or Black Rock really for that matter, its a post about genre-defiance and the importance of knowing one’s musical roots. Eric Roberson, a New Jersey-based singer and songwriter who once dabbled in theater himself, is acutely aware of his musical forbearers.

His latest release, 2007’s “Left” sees him channeling Stevie, The Isley Brothers and the entire back catalog of Stax. The standout track has to be the New Wave anthem “Man Who Had It All.” And even though “Left” veers away from the House sound that I first recognized Roberson for (check out “Change For Me“) its a satisfying portrait of an artist, who has made a career of writing stunning music for others, finally stepping into the spotlight. Eric Roberson performs at 11PM on Monday, July 7th at The Providence Black Repertory Company as part of Sound Session 08. Tickets on sale now at Arttixri.com

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