Customer Reviews

New Blues for Modern Man

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The one thing lacking in this CD is Duke's guitar. Even though there are several good tracks, Duke fans might be a little disappointed. A couple of the songs/arrangements simply seem to be out of place and disjointed. Still, there's enough on this CD to be worth it.

If blues fans are looking for the typical "blues guitar hero" type album with "New Blues for Modern Man" from Duke Robillard, this time they are going to be disappointed. MUSIC fans, on the other hand, will be in for such a treat. This record is one of the most creative and daring albums ever released by a major blues artist, the kind that is sure to anger the "purists," but the kind that is so necessary if blues music is to evolve into the new millenium.

Sure, there's great guitar work here, but finely crafted tunes such as "Pony Blues" and the incredible "Addiction" and "Fishnet" defy convention while staying firmly in blues traditions. And, as usual, Duke plays his butt off, using electronic effects like no other blues artist working today, and his vocals are smooth and assured.

Duke has come a long, long way from his Roomful of Blues days, and, amazingly, a long way from his Fabulous Thunderbirds days. He's one of the most unique and gifted artists in the blues world, forsaking the kind of trite, typical "blues" that most artists perform today in favor of forging his own path, his own way, in his own style. Miss "New Blues for Modern Man" at your own risk, and see Robillard and his great band (including sax sensation Doug James) live if you can. They're so tight and tasty, it's almost scary.