Over the past five-to-six years, we’ve been blessed by an abundance of talent from Australia. Again, the land down under produces yet another musical virtuoso in the form of Joe Robinson. The 19-year-old plays guitar well beyond his years and his talents are on display on his latest release, Time Jumpin’.

Now living in Nashville, Robinson has just finished recording Time Jumpin’. The album displays his wide knowledge of music holds to form. Songs such as  “Royal Flush” and “Exit To Nashville” show that the guitar player far advanced for his years. He channels many of his heroes, including B.B. King, John Schofield and Pat Martino throughout the record, which is his third overall.

The guitar player’s mix of classical and jazz guitar combined with the flair of rock n roll (think Slash on the rock side) make this record a great listen. Songs like “Bergeson Fries” are easy to listen to and show off Robinson’s ability to play without going overboard by being too riff heavy.  However, the standout track is easily “It’s Not Easy.”  This song is where Robinson shows a lot of flair, is upbeat and really lets loose, think Rodrigo y Gabriela, and demonstrates that his talent isn’t to be underestimated. The different styles that he is able to incorporate onto this track are awesome and show a tremendous understanding the guitar is meant to be played. For a 19-year-old to be able to sound like an accomplished veteran is no small feat, even if this is already his third full-length record.

Voted the “Best New Talent” as voted in a Guitar Player magazine 2010 Reader’s Poll, Robinson backs up the voters with this surprisingly strong effort. Hopefully, unlike other virtuosos like Stevie Vai and Joe Satriani, Robinson will be able to have a measure of mainstream success, which has eluded these talented musicians, at least as solo artists. Musicians who are Robinson’s age generally feel the need to overcompensate to show their prowess and it can be annoying, but fortunately on Time Jumpin’, the youngster puts together an across-the-board solid effort that shows the pros that he’s not some flash in the pan.  The young Australian has a world of talent and it should be interested to see how he progresses and builds off the strength of this release.

The album is currently available on Amazon.com and you can check him out on the road opening for Kaki King in late-March at the following locations:

March 29th 2011 7:30 pm

Birchmere Alexandria, VA

March 30th 2011  8:00 pm

World Cafe Live Philadelphia, PA

March 31th 2011  8:00 pm

Ram’s Head Annapolis, MD