Robert Stanley: Reviews

"I’ve just heard the best album of the year so far. It came totally out of left field for me. Robert Stanley is a local music legend from Waukegan, IL. He is an astute writer, incredibly proficient guitarist, and vocalist extraordinaire.

Recorded in Atlanta in 2007, ‘Roadman’s Hammer’ is some of the most melodic, smart ‘Rockabluesic’ (his term) music that has ever crossed this writer’s ears. This is world class stuff. Every tune is well crafted, expertly played and sung with a passion that can only come from years of life experience.

Hard driving, bluesy rockers and tender, meaningful love ballads permeate a record of unfailing quality from start to finish. Bluesman, rocker, tunesmith, guitar hero, all these terms describe Robert ‘The Roadman’ Stanley.

Simply stated, this is an unforgettable record. Get your copy today. You’ll be glad you did!"

- "Shake! Magazine": Fall 2008 Issue (Sep 15, 2008)

"Just like to say how much I enjoyed listening to your work. I know how difficult it can be to assimilate and blend together different styles of music, you make it sound effortless. Treasure that open mind."

Ken Pustelnik - Drummer with The Groundhogs: Bristol, UK (Aug 31, 2008)

“Robert has always been an excellent guitar player and his work on Roadman’s Hammer is ‘most excellent’.

His stellar Chicago-blues-based guitar work coupled with vocals that range from whiskey ravaged bluesman to almost child-like make the wide ranging melodies and lyrics come alive. This music reminds me that there was a time when bands strove to sound unique, rather than pre-packaged and formulated.

The songs are powerful and touching, raucous and tender, joyful and moody. Robert delivers at every level on every song from the power-blues-rock ‘Baby’s Like A Train’ and ending with - are those bagpipes on ‘So Many Roads’?

Anyway, this is one special CD and it deserves its own category - ROCKABLUESIC!”

Dave Payne: Llano, CA, USA (Sep 9, 2008)

“Without a doubt, this is unquestionably the best music purchase I've made all year. What a musician! What an album! I don't know where to begin.

It's not often that an album comes along that I like all the way through. Most times I've got to give it a few spins and let it grow on me. This one sprouted thick, tangled roots and dug in deep immediately. Roadman's Hammer has been in my CD player since I received it 3 weeks ago. I haven't listened to any other music for three weeks, I kid you not.

His instrumental prowess is right up there with the biggest names in the business. The words he's written are sung with passion, power and finesse. His vocals are by turns as gritty and dark as coal smoke, powerful enough to drive a railroad spike and as beautiful and soothing as a far away train whistle.

Robert's voice encompasses a full range of emotion and feeling that only comes from years of traveling life's tracks, taking note of the thing's he's seen and experienced along the way, writing about it and singing it like it just happened, still fresh and clear in his mind.

A good album is like a good book: it should paint a vivid picture in the mind of the listener, and for me, it does exactly that. I can't wait for the next album. I'll be the first one at the ticket window for The Roadman's next ride.”

Bill Haines – Music Critic & Writer: Nashville, TN, USA (Sep 7, 2008)

"You just can’t find a CD with this state of craftsmanship anymore.

His guitar playing and voice are extraordinary but coupled with his talents as a wordsmith and his awesome sense of arrangement and well, folks...it just doesn’t get any better."

Chip Muellemann - recording artist: Trevor, USA (Jul 1, 2008)

"Yeah Roadman’s Hammer...quality project from start to finish...unbelievable writing...guitar playing that can’t be touched by anyone...and a voice you’ll never forget...part Zep...part Beatles...part Badfinger...strong blues feel with rockin’ cool melodies and great arrangements
...turn it up...Lotsa Loud!!!"

Herb Eimerman - "Just Barely Famous" : Chicago, USA (Apr 7, 2008)

"He is a monumental talent, as sophisticated and acrobatic as any British guitar-hero and yet as pure and fun as a Mel Bay student sweating out his first three chords.

His vocals might bring to mind a '20-something' Robert Plant and Peter Gabriel.

And if the tools of his musicianship aren’t enough, his songwriting – he uses lyrics and melodies like a master painter uses brush-and-palette, or a surgeon uses a scalpel."

Tom Rutledge: Shoes, Chicago, USA (May 3, 2008)

“Within the first few bars of ‘Rollin' Home’ I was hooked into the cinematic atmosphere of Robert’s work. Then that gorgeous chorus. Very unique and classic all at once.

‘I Heard’ is awesome...caught me right away, love the lyrics:

‘For had they scraped away the thin
But well-designed veneer,
They'd have seen the shelter
Sitting near and true.’
Very passionate vocal performance, kudos!

‘On and On’... oh what a gorgeous buildup in this song, lingering on like a summer memory. Stunning vocals/harmonies. Set the tone for my day.”

Pauline Groen – Sleeps Six: Toronto, Canada (Sep 9, 2008)