Customer Reviews

Exalted Lover

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

 

 

For Duke fans, such as certain of the preceding reviewers, satisfaction with Exalted Lover may be challenging based on how far he has deviated this time from their expectations. Duke has always been into variety, but this time he goes a few places his fans may not expect. The fact is, he has a long and illustrious career and has played so many excellent guitar moments (and in such a variety of styles) that he probably needs a break from being "Mr. Guitar." In any case, this leaves him trying to carry more weight with his singing, which is his lesser strength. So, 1 star off for limited guitar work, 1 star off for too much reliance on his respectable-but-not-award-winning singing, 1 star off for including a bit of country music (every critic has his prejudice), but 1 star back for stretching stylistically to prevent stagnation.

So you just need to hear more Duke on guitar? Then try any of the other 15 or so albums of Duke's that are available, all of which are drenched with marvelous guitar work. If you like any of his work, then you know he's pretty timeless, so an older album that's new to you may be more satisfying than a new release that's not your stylistic preference. If you already have all his albums, then you know he's earned your respect whether this release suits your taste or not.

I have to disagree with the first reviewer. There's alot of guitar in this CD. The difference may be that it's not all the stinging blues guitar that we're used to. Here Duke shows his guitar skills in many other styles. The guitar synth in Exalted Lover probably has many people thinking there's someone on trumpet. And I love the country licks in Love's Made a Liar. Not to mention some great rockin' riffs in Live Wire. And the guitar war with Debbie Davies. Oh, there's plenty of guitar! And the added bonus is that the songs themselves are great. AND terrific vocals - I love the duet with Pam Tillis - very smooth.I just happen to agree with the Amazon reviewer - Duke is the Master!

I LOVE ALL 6 DUKE ALBUMS I OWN. I really respect Mr. Robillard for recording new material for each album rather than just recycling the same songs over and over as many others do. This is jazzy and enjoyable but not my favorite album. If you are a blues afficianado, and want to get your first Duke Robillard album, pick one of the others. Personally, I want to own every album duke has released. He IS that good! Mr. Robillard is, in my opinion, tops for talent, tops for originality, and tops for caring about his fans and his craft. If you love Mr. Buddy Guy and Mr. Johnny Winter, rest assured, you will also love Mr. Duke Robillard's brand of blues. Just be ready to want each of his albums. Each one is a unique jewel.I RECOMMEND YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO THEM ALL!

Before, I get started; I own just about every album by this guy including the Fabulous T-Birds, Roomful of Blues stuff. I have seen him live. It's all good; except this album is a disappointment. He is a Guitar Player. Right? But it is not until track 5 that we actually get to hear a guitar solo! Maybe I have got it wrong but a Guitar Player is supposed to PLAY. Look I am not after dreary 10-minute long solos but the playing here is just not we have seen before from the Duke and not up to the quality that we have heard before. Try his earlier stuff over the last couple of years. But this is a disappointment.

Travelin Mood is played frequently on ch 74 Bluesville XMSR Satellite Radio. That should tell u something right? I nearly jumped out of my seat when I first heard that and each time therafter.