Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Henkel.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Started playing guitar at age eight. At the time most of my musical influences were American folk music. I always liked the sound of blues but was not aware that it was a style of music. My parents took me to see Josh White when I was ten years old. He knocked my socks off. I told my dad that I liked every song that Josh played. My dad responded, “that’s the blues.” Fast forward 57 years: 1967-8 I played in a soul band—The Hi-Lites—mostly at the local military bases, 1973 BA political science USIU, 1973-76 hard rock band Jumbalayah…1976-86 numerous bands performing disco, rock, top 40, jazz mostly on bass guitar. 1979 released my first recording, an LP “Let’s Get Squished.” Around 1986 I grew weary of all the issues having to do with playing in bands. I decided to work as a solo guitarist performing blues music. In addition to my solo performances I lead, compose and arrange for a seven-piece band performing mostly original jazz and funk—Robin Henkel Band with Horns! This band is a special labor of love for me.
Please tell us about your art.
Composing and arranging for my horn band is my strongest effort and passion. It’s not an exaggeration to say each new tune or performance is representative of my life’s work. Sometimes it involves hours and hours of sitting with the piano or guitar to work out the harmony, form, etc. Sometimes when practicing, a spiffy little riff spins-off from whatever I’m working on. A new tune is composed unintentionally just by spending time in practice. Message? Inspiration? Honestly, it’s self-indulgent. I just love working on music.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Indifference. People have seen and heard so much that very little impresses or phases them. There’s always the possibility that our culture is becoming more stupid, but the opposite is true as well. For example, people seem to have a hipper, cultural understanding of blues music. Even though many people may not be blues fans, they seem to enjoy and are more likely to be moved by what I’m playing than they were thirty years ago. Maybe I’ve just gotten better, but I think audience awareness is part of it as well.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I perform about 15-18 times a month–House of Blues, Nate’s Garden Grill, La Jolla Community Center, Gator By The Bay, Adams Street Fair, ArtWalk, Ki’s Restaurant…too many to list here…there is a schedule on my website– www.robinhenkel.com. My solo performances of primitive rural blues can be seen in the restaurant at the House of Blues San Diego, usually on Tuesdays; however, it’s always best to check my website schedule for exact dates.
Usually once a month my horn band does a show at Lestat’s (Normal Heights) or Dizzy’s. This is the part of my art to which I give the most attention, passion, and effort. I feel happy, proud and sometimes stressed to present what is really meaningful to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robinhenkel.com
- Phone: 619 244-9409
- Email: r.henkel444@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.henkel444/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robin.henkel.39
Image Credit:
Pearl Pries – personal photo
Chickenbone
Dennis Andersen
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Bart Newsom
May 7, 2019 at 3:30 am
This is an awesome article about a true master of music. It’s like the ip of the iceberg because Robin’s knowledge of music is deeper than anyone I’ve ever met. He’s more than an icon. He’s the oracle.