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Jimi Jeff was born Jeffery Leon Robinson in Kentucky in 1956. At the age of 12, he picked up guitar from a gospel player who played at his mama's church and by age 14, after hearing his first Jimi Hendrix album, he knew what he wanted from a guitar. Robinson is primarily a self-taught musician and Hendrix was a huge influence, but back then in the black community, funk, R&B and blues was the music of the day, so if he wanted to play in a band, he had to learn funk, R&B and blues…. So Jimi learned. By the time he was 21, he decided to hit the road. He began touring the "Chittlin" circuit out of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. For the next nine years, Jimi toured the South, playing everywhere and anywhere a guitarist was needed. He stayed awhile with a band called the Magic Show but he was getting restless and the road called again. By 1985, Jimi had hit about every town below the Mason/Dixie line so he headed up to Chicago where he began working that circuit, playing with the likes of Buddy Guy, Phil Guy, Lefty Diz, Lee Shout Williams, L.V. Johnson, Junior Wells and anyone else that needed a guitarist. Sometimes, because he had nowhere to live and very little money, he would sleep in the clubs after they closed. Those years in Chicago gave Jimi a broad range of experience and a solid background in blues which, combined heavily with Hendrix, influences his music today. Eventually Chicago lost its luster to Jimi and he decided to move to Minneapolis Minnesota where he started his first band, "The Jeff Robbins Blues Band." He quickly became known around the area for his intricate guitar work and caught the ear of Buzzy Linheart who had played vibes on Jimi Hendrix's album, Cry of Love. Linheart recognized the influence of Hendrix in Jimi's playing and he was so impressed that he talked Jimi into making a trip to Seattle to meet AI Hendrix. Buzzy even nicknamed Jimi “A]", which was short for "Almost Jimi." Jimi decided to stay in Seattle for a while and he joined a band caned The Society. It was in Seattle, home of his legendary idol, that he was dubbed "Jimi Jeff." The band eventually moved up to Vancouver and reformed themselves as Jimi Jeff & The Gypsy Band. Over his life, Jimi has hit some pretty rough spots but shining through everything is his love and talent for his music. The band has a huge selection of songs, some originals and some covers, but every song is special when it comes from Jimi. He puts his own stamp on every tune and his guitar literally sings. The entire band is polished, talented and entertaining. Based now out of Northern California, Jimi continues to play styles from Hendrix, and Prince and he can light up the stage with true R&B, blues and funk. His band has proven over and over that they can keep a dance floor filled as well as entertain and awe the audience. Band members include: Rob Anderson - Drums Tim Stratton - Keyboard Chris Wixon - Bass Johnnie Ridelle – Sax for bookings contact Jimi-Jeff: 707-496-6049
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