Customer Reviews

Blue Velocity

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You can count me in that category of music lovers who live for that next great guitar solo. And Duarte sounds like his main mission here was to please fans like me. Simply outstanding guitar work throughout. And this cd comes closer to his live show performances than anything he has ever done in studio. You can kick back and really get into this cd. Over half the songs here clock in at more than 6 minutes. With a couple reaching double digits. The 13 minute "Something Wicked" is a slow blues burner that is simply outstanding throughout. And it's followed up with "I'll Never Know", which is one of the best songs that Duarte has ever written. And his singing is also very impressive here. I noticed he's changed labels to the more guitar oriented label Blues Bureau. And I hope he sticks with it, because it sounds like he's headed in a good direction with his music. He's playing to his strengths where the guitar comes first.. And almost nobody out there in the blues rock category is more original at it than Duarte. A thouroughly enjoyable album. And the best that I've heard so far in 07.

I've seen a couple of his shows and really, the studio albums to date, just do not do justice to this amazing musician.

This one comes very very close!

Of course that's only part of the story here. As to the sound of the CD? Nice! Not overly compressed at all. The guitar is right out front where it should be and blend of vocals, drums and bass fit very nice into the overall sound. Very dynamic. A rarity these days.

Without question, this is Chris' finest release. On board with the Blues Bureau label, he has finally been supported in the way he deserves! One of the hardest working showmen in the music scene today, he really rips it up on this one. This is the cd I have been waiting for since "Texas Sugar/Strat Magik"! He unleashes some incendiary fretwork: check out 'Sun Prairie Blues', in which he breaks open the old Univibe for some spot-on Robin Trower/Hendrixian sounds. Just amazing. If you are a fan of blues and blues rock, you MUST get this cd. You will not be disappointed. Everytime I listen to it, I hear things I missed the last time. I'll put this one up against ANY blues artist this year!

Chris Duarte's shining guitar is finally put at the center of the whole thing. Blue Velocity is clearly a reminiscence of Texas Sugar and will make the blues fans smile. It is even more guitar driven than previous works. It's raw, spontaneous, essential.

Quite simply an unparalleled guitarist. Chris Duarte's singing continues to improve while his guitar playing continues to evlove to ever greater levels. A must have for those who appreciate technically superior, sonic guitar work!

I love Chris' playing, but since I bought his first album, I've always felt that his voice is not gruff or seasoned enough for the low down blues that he like to play. His playing is great, but the voice doesn't go with it. Now, on the more rock sounding efforts, his voice is perfect for and I really dig it. I like the album, as I do all of his, but I wish he would get a different singer for those more traditional blues numbers. someone like Tinsley Ellis has that "seasoned" voice. Nevertheless, any blues fan will appreciate this recording and play it over and over again. My opinion is just that, my opinion. I certainly don't mean to downgrade the guy, his playing is great! I just wish he could find the right style of playing for his voice if he wants to sing.

I had never seen Chris before I saw him open up for Satriani in Detroit back in the 90's. I was hooked after that show and bought everything he had available. The last release was not so good, but Chris has plugged back in his fuzz and uni-vibe, added some back-up vocals and every track on this new cd is great. Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Awesome guitar player Chris Duarte will not let you down on this one. I recently caught one of his live shows and he can RIP!

Got this CD on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. This guy is a great bluesy player, singer and songwriter. I liked all the songs first time through and they are getting better with repeat listenings.

I really like this CD. I have heard Chris in person and have several other CD's of his. This one is 1 of the BEST of his.