At just 17 years of age, Joe Robinson has se-ured a reputation as one of the world ’s finest young guitarists.
His unique acoustic guitar style has caught the attention of Les Paul, Steve Vai, Brad Paisley, Tommy Emmanuel and many others. From winning the hit television series "Australia ’s Got Talent ’ to recording in Nashville with "Producer of the year", Frank Rogers, few doubt that this humble young man is destined for greatness.
Joe started playing piano at the age of six, only because he was told his fingers were too small to play the guitar. After four grueling years of classical piano, Joe quit Harringan ’s Irish Pub, Harrington Sunday, January 4 and began to play the guitar (aged 10). He outgrew his guitar teacher in less than 12 months, and he started to teach himself from the internet.
From lots and lots of jamming, Joe developed incredibly mature listening and improvisation skills.
It also gave him versatility, playing jazz, country, rock, and blues.
At the age of 12, Joe caught the attention of legendary Australian guitarist, Phil Emmanuel. Phil was astounded by Joe ’s playing and said "Toe is the best player for his age that I have ever seen. I predict that by the time Joe is 21, he will undoubtedly be Australia ’s best guitarist." By the time he was 13, Joe had toured with Phil Emmanuel, Texas Rose, and had one several band contests, with his band, the Kaotic Penguins. That year he also won a section in the National Songwriting Competition.
Joe recorded an album with Sunball records when he was 14, and had an album launch at Sydney ’s premier live music venue, the Basement In late 2007 he embarked on a self funded (with his own pocket money) trip to the USA. Joe got a chance to play for the president of Aristo Media, Jeff Walker. Things began to snowball, and by the end of the week, Joe had met with Sony, Universal, BMI, Ascap, Ten Ten, Universal South, Universal Publishing, and many others.
After returning to Australia, Joe auditioned for the "Australia ’s Got Talent" TV series. Joe became a favorite right from the start.
After another round of record breaking votes, Joe was crowed the winner, taking home $250,000.
A few days after winning the show, Joe flew back to Nashville to record his next album with Grammy award winning "producer of the year", Frank Rogers.
The rest is quickly becoming history. Joe is a fine example of the great clich, "follow your dreams", but it takes a lot of hard work and guts to take the risks required to achieve so much, so soon and at such a young age.
His charismatic personality is homegrown, young and fresh.
He has an exciting vision and enthusiasm for the future of his music. Best of all, he just has that "je ne sais quoi," that something special!
Manning River Times
