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CutTime Ensembles

Rank #1 Detroit, MI Classical / Soul / Orchestral/Symphonic (...

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About

Members: Rick Robinson and friends

Sounds Like: Joshua Bell, Turtle Island Quartet, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Classical Revolution, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Musicians

Label: CutTime Productions LLC

Manager: Self

Bio: CutTime ensembles have officially spunoff the Detroit Symphony Orchestra after building for 17 years. Bassist-entrepreneur Rick Robinson ran with an idea for a mini-orchestra called CutTime Players to share symphonic hits with family audiences. After arranging dozens of classical hits for this mi... See Full Bio

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Status

I'll leave First Grief on the music player one more day. The LYRICS (L) button brings up the context while you listen. It will start a suite

Press

“Robinson is used to "different." He was only the second African-American member of the DSO, and he was born and raised in Highland Park. When I met Robinson at least 20 years ago, his friends had dubbed him "Downtown Rick Robinson" because of his live-wire, always-up-for-anything personality. The ensuing two decades with the DSO have certainly mellowed him, and he's more likely to come off as the consummate professional than the fun-loving party guy. But a little "downtown" oozes out as he picks up the microphone between numbers to tease the other musicians and get the crowd laughing. From The Detroit News: ”

— Donna Terek, The Detroit News

“Robinson is aiming to play more intimate stages.”

— Guy Raz, All Things Considered

“Now Robinson, 48, is aiming higher. He’s taking a one-year leave of absence from the DSO beginning in January to devote himself full time to CutTime initiatives. He’s pursuing concerts and residencies with orchestras, music schools and others nationwide, as well as expanding his footprint in Detroit.”

— Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press

“Mr. Robinson, in a sense, is a modern day Dvořák. Known as “Mr. CutTime,” this Detroit Symphony bassist is a passionate advocate for classical music and musicians stepping down from the pedestal of the concert hall and merging into the musical life of the community: schools, clubs, bars, coffeehouses…basically anywhere where people congregate. This is far from a new concept, but Robinson’s personality, aggressive advocacy of this, and his remarkable playing, composing and arranging skills put him in the forefront of this movement. His erudite and passionate verbal remarks were as moving as the beautifully crafted and emotional music... this is a man with extraordinary musical skills.”

— Jeffrey Rossman, CVNC.org

“I'm a firm believer that all good music has spirit. In the case of 'City Of Trees' there is SOOOUUUL as well.”

— Lumumba Reynolds, Private letter

“Bass player Rick Robinson grew up with a love for classical music, and after 22 seasons with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra he's stepping away to spread that gospel in a personal crusade.”

— Lawrence B. Johnson, The Detroit News

“Robinson... is an armchair composer with promise and a taste for fleshy romantic textures and orchestration. The [Essay (After Sibelius)] later winks at Shostakovich, Mahler and Brahms. The programmatic sweep echoes Strauss.”

— Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press

“... a small band with a ton of talent.”

— Larry Johnson, Detroit News

“If you don't know about CutTime Players, you should. An imaginative octet culled from the ranks of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and led by intrepid bassist Rick Robinson, the group specializes in Robinson's inventive arrangements of classical standards. The emphasis is on high-level musicianship and entertaining and witty presentation.”

— Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press

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Recent Blogs

The Birth of CutTime®
Jul 11, 2011
Most American classical musicians study at colleges, universities and schools of... [more]

Growth IV
Jul 9, 2011
Before working on Gitcha, the wife of a DSO colleague passed away after a long i... [more]

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Songs

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Play "Bedrich Smetana - Dance of the Comedians"

Bedrich Smetana - D…

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Play "Rick Robinson - Pork 'N Beans"

Rick Robinson - Por…

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Play "Highland Park, MI: City of Trees"

Highland Park, MI: …

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Play "Song of the Toreador from Bizet's Carmen"

Song of the Toreado…

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Play "Rick Robinson - Gitcha Groove On! Demo"

Rick Robinson - Git…

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Videos

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Shows

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Sun
Jun 9

Bell Creek Park
Redford, MI, US | 2:00pm
Bell Creek Park
Redford, MI, US
Sun Jun 09 2:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
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CutTime String Quartet will read down both CutTime and classical standard works in the outdoor, amplified setting.
Wed
Jun 12

Speak EZ Lounge
Grand Rapids, MI, US | 7:00pm
Speak EZ Lounge
Grand Rapids, MI, US
Wed Jun 12 7:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
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Classical Revolution Grand Rapids features GR Symphony musicians and is hosted by Mr. CutTime Rick Robinson. They will read standard chamber music as well as CutTime charts.
Fri
Jun 14

Cranberry Lake Farm
Oakland, MI, US | 7:00pm
Cranberry Lake Farm
Oakland, MI, US
Fri Jun 14 7:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
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A small farmhouse amid an old apple orchard is the backdrop for this CutTime String Quartet concert with heavy hitters John McLaughlin Williams and Velda Kelly on violins, Derek Reeves on viola and Mr. CutTime on bass. This 2-hour program is free. Bring a lawnchair or blanket and picnic.

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Comments

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Nancy Burridge
Absolutely loved Dance of The Comedians! Best wishes! ~Nancy
cesar viana
Fantastic: great sound, a very interesting repertoire. I really enjoyed listening to it.
Otto Zone
Passing through showing some love !!! Hope you're having an awesome week !!! Peace and good times...oz
MULE DEER
nice! i can chill out to this...
CutTime Ensembles
As long as you came all this way, let us know what you think of this music!