Marcus Robinson

Artist: Thornwood (Marcus Robinson and Herb Smith)
Title: Just A Little Sly
Genre: R & B, Funk, Rock, Jazz
Website: http://ww.sonicbids.com/marcusrobinson

Thornwood hails from Rochester New York, but don’t let the name of the city throw you off, this band has a major sound, just like the Big Apple.

Guitar player Marcus Robinson spearheads this very talented assembly with chops to die for, while the funky and smooth grooves of the brass help the music to reach levels of maturity that is reserved for experts in their craft. This band has it all going for them. With a rock-solid rhythm and soul that prevails throughout the recording, even legends like Isaac Hayes would crack a smile. The vocal department is in fine shape as well, Gregory G-Rob Robinson has an excellent command of his talents-watch out Luther Vandross.

This five song EP kicks off with a tasty instrumental titled “Swingin Fo Da Fence,” a real funky jazz workout that borders on fusion. Then there is the Sly Stone classic “Family Affair,” modernized for city living in 2004. It seems so fresh and applicable today. You would swear it was just yesterday that the words and music came together for this session. For those of you to young to remember, “Family Affair” was recorded nearly 30 years ago. Speaking of today, “Babies Making Babies” is a sad but true reality in this world, the words hit home and the music is outstanding. Tony Newton cuts loose on the track…think of players like Stanley Clark or Marcus Miller who step forward and play the performance of a lifetime on a regular basis. Newton really kicks out the jams.

Five songs were not enough for me I had to listen again and again to get my funk fix. I really enjoyed this music and hope to hear more from this band very soon, hopefully a full length album next time.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
September 8, 2004
- Keith "Muzikman" Hanaleck

THORNWOOD | Just a Little Sly | WMG Records

Are ya ready for some serious fusion-funk? Then this 5-track debut CD, JUST A LITTLE SLY, is the one for you. Thornwood, a kickin’ band from Rochester, N.Y., knows how to lay it down, with a sound that could easily be described as “The Crusaders meet the Headhunters”. It’s all energy and superb musicianship on this disc, which combines three Sly Stone tunes with a couple of solid originals. Thornwood is a collaboration between guitarist Marcus Robinson and trumpet player Herb Smith, who have put together a group of incredibly talented and vibrant musicians. They describe their music as a combination of “’old school’ rawness [and] a ‘new school’ urban relevance.” Any way you want to describe it, you’ll dig this stuff. Gregory “G-Rob” Robinson knocks me out with his soulful R&B vocals on “Family Affair,” “Babies Makin’ Babies,” and the original, “Our Time Together.” Then there’s Tony Newton, best known for his work with Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Tony Williams, laying down some incredibly funky bass lines. Check out his fusion-inspired solo on “Babies Makin’ Babies.” This album is a kick in the butt, and definitely leaves me wanting to hear more from this exciting new group. Got energy? Want more? Then get yourself a copy of Thornwood’s debut album, JUST A LITTLE SLY. ~Scott O’Brien
- Scott O'Brien

About 20 Jun 08 at the Livery, Benton Harbor, MI

WOW! I and my family were blown away. We could not have enjoyed the evening more. We loved your incredible talent and your most evident love and passion for your music. But, I also told my children that your commitment and passion for the work you are doing in our
community is even more important to you, and we (I) are lucky and
blessed that you are here.

To that, Barbara added, AMEN! I concurred!

Again, Marcus, and unbelievable evening and experience! - David Whitwam

You guys are like a Modern-Day Jeff Lorber Fusion (slash) Pleasure (slash) BNH. You'll fit in nicely with the heavyweights I play on a daily basis.
- John Marcus, V107.9 Atlanta, GA