Drummer Lenny Robinson is one of the busiest players in the District’s jazz scene. Gigging regularly with the area’s best for over 20 years, and also leading his own groups, he should be a familiar voice to any fan of local music. Combining formidable technique with an impeccable sense of swing, his playing retains a sense of individuality while staying true to the traditions of jazz drumming.

The 52-year old Baltimore native began his percussive journey in high school, after having played piano and organ in his father’s church during earlier years. Robinson continued his formal training with studies at the Peabody Conservatory and Morgan State University, all the while soaking up the Baltimore music scene, which gave us monster drummers such as Dennis Chambers (jazz-fusion legend), Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa, Genesis), and Larry Bright (John Scofield, Frank Gambale). After a few years of touring internationally on the R&B circuit, he moved to New York, where he enlisted in the Army Band stationed in Brooklyn and started building connections with the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Mike Stern, and a host of other first class musicians. Robinson moved to the D.C. area in 1985, after he and his wife had their son, but still gets calls for gigs around the world.

His musical journey has led to an impressive list of collaborators. Dewey Redman, Roy Hargrove, Ahmad Jamal, and Eartha Kitt are just a few of the greats that have called on his talent. In addition, he has recorded two albums as a bandleader, Songs I Like to Play and Three for All. The latter features pianist Allyn Johnson of The Young Lions. DCist asked Robinson a few questions to get his thoughts on his personal history and the city’s jazz community.