consists mostly of Robinson's own songs with their gritty, urban
imagery, whether about pounding the city streets looking for his former love in 'Empty Apartment Blues', or describing the glistening city pavement in 'Raining In New York', The mood and groove varies from the Albert Collins-styled shuffle, 'Walking In The Sunshine', to the soulful flavor of the title track and the soul-blues Give Love 4 Chance. Driving amplified harmoiaica is heard on the rocking Coming Home and the instrumental Little Rascal, while on the traditional reading of Trouble In Mind, his harp echoes the second Sonny Boy. While there are only a few covers, the most interesting is his recasting of the Beatles' 'Eight Days A Week'.
Robinson is quick to point out that he has been profoundly influenced by the late Arthur Alexander. His imprint can be discerned in Robinson's emphasis on lyrics that tell a good story. Alexander's music freed Robinson "of the fear of going out and just playing songs for people. If you have a song that tells a story, you give the listener a reason to keep listening." To this end, he has brought in musicians whose playing complements his songs and vocals.
Prominently featured is guitarist Alex Schultz. Schultz, now with Rod Piazza and The Mighty Flyers, has known Robinson since both were teenage 
friends in New York City, where they played informally together. Prior to joining Piazza in '88, Schultz played with Hank Ballard and William Clarke, and has recorded with Piazza, Clarke and Lynn August. His jumping style is showcased on Coming Home, while he suggests the late Albert Collins on, 'Walking In The Sunshine'. Richie Davis, a veteran oflos Angeles'R&B scene and a founding member of the soul band, the Chicago Catz, lends his soulful voicing to 'Eight Days A Week' and the title track, while Dave Specter backs Robinson's harp on Little Rascal, and is featured on Little Milton's 'Lonely Man'.
A special guest is Robert Ward, who has made quite an impression with his album Fear No Evil (Black Top 1063). The closing 'Give Love A Chance' perhaps has Tad's most telling lyric, with Ward's singular guitar providing a perfect foil to Robinson's pleading vocal.
Anchoring most of the album (and Robinson's band) are three veterans of the Chicago scene, Ken Saydak on keyboards Harlan Terson on bass and Jon Hiller on drums. Saydak played with Mighty Joe Young and Lonnie Brooks before founding the roots-rock band Big Shoulders. He had also recorded with Johnny Winter, Eddie Shaw and Barkin' Bill. Terson hit the blues club scene in'74, and has recorded with Lonnie Brooks, John Littlejohn, Robert Covington and Bonnie Lee, while drum Hiller's credentials include record dates with Jimmy Johnson, Eddy Clearwater and others. Together, they provide a firm base that helps make One To Infinity an auspicious debut.
—— Ron Weinstock
Contributor, LivingBlues
and Blues Revue Editor
D.C. Blues Society publications
