About Rhonda

Baltimore City
Baltimore-based jazz vocalist/flutist Rhonda Robinson grew up in Indian Head, MD singing in church choirs and in school musicals. She also studied piano and played flute in school band. Appearing throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, the Rhonda Robinson Quartet has distinguished itself opening for poet/activist Amiri Baraka and Blue Ark Ensemble at Univ. of Baltimore and as the selected band for “A Night at Ethel’s Place”, a fundraiser for Concert Artists of Baltimore honoring legendary Baltimore… more

Short jazz standards with improvisation

A collection of 3 contrasting styles of some favorite jazz standards highlighting expressiveness, storytelling with bursts of scatting and instrumental improvisation. Rhonda Robinson, vocals; Justin Taylor, piano; Blake Meister, bass; Aaron Seeber, drums.
  • Man, That Was a Dream (Monk's Dream)
    Rhonda Robinson sings Thelonius Monk's "Monks' Dream". This version with lyrics by Jon Hendricks is formally titled "Man, That Was a Dream". I love the playfulness of this tune, yet it is totally infused with blues chords.
  • The Nearness of You
    Rhonda Robinson sings the classic ballad "The Nearness of You" by Washington & Carmichael.
  • You Took Advantage of Me
    Rhonda Robinson sings "You Took Advantage of Me" by Rodgers and Hart. I had fun trading scat lines with the piano and the bass. The song is a great monologue about passion as you would expect from the team of Rodgers and Hart.

Station North Holiday Jazz Brunch

Rhonda Robinson released a holiday jazz duo recording featuring her vocals accompanied/arranged by Charlie Sigler, guitar.
  • Mary, Did You Know?
    This haunting jazz voice-guitar arrangement adds improvisation for a fittingly dramatic ending. Written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene.
  • I Wonder As I Wander
    An uptempo gypsy/Flamenco mood is set in this Appalachian Christmas song typically heard as a ballad. Written by John Jacob Niles.
  • The Christmas Waltz
    This Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne classic jazz waltz features extended scatting and 2 modulations.
  • Digital Jingle Bells
    James Pierpont's fun 19th century favorite gets a 21st century treatment for Digital Age.
  • Digital Jingle Bells - Live version
    At Station North Arts Cafe on an unusual 70 degree December day!
  • Baltimoremagazine.net CD review
    John Lewis reviews "Station North Holiday Jazz Brunch" by the Rhonda Robinson/Charlie Sigler Duo.
  • ALBUM NOTES
    This is how the CD came to be after 5 years of performing each Christmas season at Station North Arts Cafe.

Original compositions

Eclectic songs written while I was a member of the Musical Mind Treatment Band at Spiritual Empowerment Center, Baltimore, MD
  • The Gentle Ecstasy
    My original composition features my piano playing and vocal improvising accompanied by the Musical Mind Treatment Band. Ocean sound effects, rainsticks and chimes complete the mood for this meditation on sexual energy.
  • Idyllic Day (Be There Now)
    My original composition about creating your ideal life. It is in the Bossa Nova style and features a harmonious chorus. I sing on this song backed by the Musical Mind Treatment Band.
  • The Gentle Ecstasy
    Photo montage with audio excerpts from my composition.
  • Idyllic Day (Be There Now)
    My original composition. Video clips and photos with audio excerpts.

Station North Jazz Brunch 2

A live performance........
  • Rhonda Robinson & Charlie Sigler 'O Tannenbaum' @Station North Arts Cafe Dec. 22nd 2013
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