Parsons Will Play In Nashville

Robby Parsons
“The opportunity of a lifetime.” That is how New Martinsville native Robby Parsons describes the unique position he finds himself in.”I seem to continually stumble into incredible musical situations,” the 30-year-old explains.
It all began 18 years ago in his beloved grandmother’s living room when he received his first guitar as a Christmas present from his father, and it will continue next week in Nashville, Tenn., as Parsons has been invited to an exclusive Songwriters Showcase presented by nationally renowned The Paramount Group, Feb. 25-28 on famed Music Row.
“The journey to this point is just as interesting as the actual event,” explains Parsons. “I have been very fortunate to have been able to not only play with some of the best musicians in the world, but also to record with some of the best musicians in the world.”
The demo track that Parsons sent to Paramount for consideration featured the extraordinary talents of Kofi Burbridge, the keyboardist/flautist for The Derek Trucks Band, who has also toured with Santana, Whitney Houston, and Soul Stew Revival. Burbridge has been a member of The Derek Trucks Band for nearly 10 years now.
When Trucks is not busy with the band that bears his name he serves as lead guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band, which Kofi’s brother, Oteil, plays bass guitar for and also occasionally for Eric Clapton.
“To have Kofi come all the way to West Virginia and record with me in his downtime from touring was an absolute honor,” Parsons said. “His contributions to the recording were immeasurable.”
Parsons has also recorded with Alex DePue, who is considered by many to be the premier contemporary violinist in the world and is the current violinist for Steve Vai who is a globally known guitarist who appeared in the movie Crossroads with Ralph Macchio.
“Alex actually lived with me in Philadelphia for about a month. I helped him out when he was in a tough spot and the next thing I knew he was on tour with Steve Vai.”
Parsons made quite a name for himself while in Philadelphia in his own right. He was invited to record at “The Opera House” with legendary producer Mike Forte who produced acts such as the Rolling Stones and Vanessa Williams. Forte wrote Williams’ first big hit “Dreamin'” and was an A&R man for Sony Records for many years before becoming head of his own recording studio.
“Mike caught a show of mine in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia and seemed to be quite impressed. He recorded a demo of me and sent it out to various record labels that he had connections with. Unfortunately nothing ever came of that session,” explains Parsons.
It all leads Parsons to this point and maybe to his big break.
“I’ve had success in big cities before. I have been on the cover of every major publication in Philadelphia, but Philly eventually wore on me. I feel as though this is my second chance and I plan on making the most of it.”
Robby Parsons will be performing his final Ohio Valley show before he departs for Nashville on Saturday at JT’s Lounge in New Martinsville starting at 8:30 p.m. Free food will be provided. For more information call (304) 455-4490 or visit www.myspace.com/thesaturnsociety.