Customer Reviews

Duke's Blues

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can't believe no one has reviewed this disc yet. Duke Robillard is one fantastic guitarist, and this album of covers is among his best recorded work. Every cut is a lesson in the blues, and a tribute to the original artist(s) associated with the tune. All I've got to say is, if you like the blues (jump-style, not Delta) just buy it!

The last cut, hats off to Albert Collins' "Dyin' Flu," will make you fall down and beg for mercy. This is what happens when a virtuoso blues guitarist doesn't have a thing to prove and slips into the groove. Playing that is listening, ear cocked like a hound dog's in the wind, Robillard hearing whatever it was Collins must have heard when the inspiration for this one came to him. (Definitely not the same thing as imitating licks or covering a tune.) Also a plus is that Duke doesn't burden you with overload in the vocals department but when he does open his mouth, it's so right it hurts. In general Duke sings a lil too much for my taste--he should let the guitar talk for him more of the time. The other great cut on this album is "Never Let You Go" where again Duke stays mainly in instrumental mode. This man is a treasure when he really opens up on the guitar--worth waiting for!

Duke Robillard is just one of the best guitarists in the world. This cd enlights his jumpbluesy T-Bone style of playing....it is jumping from the first number....If you like the blues they way they played it in de 50s, you have to buy this cd

Duke is a master at capturing different blues styles, and this disc is a showcase for his abilities to do so. From Guitar Slim to BB King, Magic Sam and Lowell Fulson to Albert Collins - he captures the style but infuses his own tasteful playing into it. Not only is his playing and singing great, the sweet song arrangements really show his musical maturity jump-blues and swing. For new blues fans it's a great educational trip - for blues players (like myself) it's educational, inspiring and just damn good!

Duke's solos are spontaneous and unpredictable (even though he's playing long established styles). The licks flow out real nice. It's easy to sit back and follow his lead guitar. Also, the rhythm section creates a great working space for Duke to get excited about. Everything is great about this album, it's 74 minutes long and every song is at least really good, many of the songs are really great.

Note- This isn't a straight ahead blues album. Some of the songs are straight blues, but there are lots of influences making this music. If you're into it, I think you are really goona get blown away by the music on this album. Seriously!

NOTE - This Cd has been issued with a different cover, with Duke's head shown in a medium bluish background

The only comparison would be the big band/Jump blues recordings made by Brian Setzer and Colin James.

This is far far superior.

This is much less commercial, and much better guitar playing and much better arrangements, with all the energy and drive that comes from Setzer and James.

Duke's Blues is one of the all-time greatest modern blues albums in existence. Every song absolutely rocks. This is rare. I own a bar in Palm Springs (Desert Fox) and this is among the most popular CDs we play among hundreds! Duke Robillard is a master and this is his high water mark as a blues artist.

I am rather new at playing the guitar, but I find my music taste beginning to lean towards the "blues". I've been listening to a variety of blues guitar players and blues bands, and after hearing a Duke Robillard number on the radio I purchaed this cd to add to my CD collection. Robillard may not be a household blues name, but my purchase was well worth it. If you're kinda' like me, you want to listen to as many different blues guitar players and blues bands as you can so you can hear different interpretations and styles. I would recommend this CD.

can i add more insight to what has already been shared? no. duke is a blazing hot guitar player, and can play any style. dig it.

Got this alblum yesterday, and am disappointed. Duke is a great guitar player, but this does not live up to what I have heard him do elseware, and is does not have either the soulfullness nor the fun found in good blues. This is, for me, watered down jazz. If you want to hear Duke do some fine blues check out his playing on Pinetop's Boogie Woogie by Pinetop Perkins.