Robbie Lee’s Recent Releases
SunnySide- John Koozin and the Neighborhood
With his 2nd album as a bandleader, Koozin further explores his idea of community and storytelling through song. Largely inspired by his time spent teaching kids in Sunnyside, Queens, Koozin was also inspired “by all of the “F’s”: friends, family, Faith, fellowship, food, fun, and funky music.” The album features Jasper Dutz, Brandon Choi, Chris “Stomp” Garriga, Dabin Ryu, and Mike Robinson playing songs ranging from material from The Muppets and Star Trek to hymns, originals, and folk songs. As Koozin puts it, the album is about “taking being goofy, seriously.”
A Guaraldi Holiday- Isaiah j thompson
A tribute to the eclectic music of Vince Guaraldi – work which served as a both an introduction to jazz, and as a childhood sound track for generations of music lovers, Thompson included – the invigorating set was co-produced by Thompson with John Pizzarelli and features 12 fresh tracks, each one an exercise in nostalgic expressionism. With A Guaraldi Holiday, Isaiah, his group, and guests John Pizzarelli, trumpeter Anthony Hervey, saxophonist Alexa Tarantino and vocalists Robbie Lee and Tyreek McDole all join in for an imaginative encounter with the spirit of Vince Guaraldi.
John KOozin and the Neighborhood- john koozin
"John Koozin and the Neighborhood” is Koozin’s debut album as a bandleader, featuring some of his closest mentors and peers including Matt Wilson, Dave Glasser, Bruce Barth, Jasper Dutz and Robbie Lee. The music covers the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, Hymns, as well as songs from film and cartoons. This album is inspired by the works of his favorite artists, his upbringing in Houston,TX, as well as his own experiences teaching students in Sunnyside, Queens.
Expectations- The Agave Ensemble
The Agave Ensemble is a collective of Tucson musicians who grew up playing together. Having all gone their separate paths following high school, this album serves as a snapshot of the reunion that happened the summer of 2018. Featuring compositions by members Miranda Agnew and Nathan Hooker, Expectations also includes compositions by Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington.