Duke Robillard Roll With me

“Back in the early 2000’s I was given the OK to start a new blues album for Stony Plain. Somehow after recording nine hot blues tracks, I got another album concept so we started another album session. I said we’d get back to the blues album soon after finishing the new project. As things sometimes go, we got busy with gigging, touring and life. That early blues album we cut kept getting put aside and we kept coming up with new album concepts within months of release of the last one.

Duke Robillard’s won a reputation as one of finest guitarists in blues, but this disc also displays his command of rock ‘n’ roll, country, and jazz balladry. The latter drives his duet with country star Pam Tillis, "I’ll Never Be Free," which plays off their easy vocal interplay, Robillard’s classic picking, and his band’s swinging drive. It’s also a pleasure to hear him singing and slinging guitars with blueswoman Debbie Davies on the chugging shuffle "How Long Has It Been." But the best moments may be Robillard’s incendiary solos, like when he uncorks his Stratocaster in the middle of "Deep Inside," matching his lyrics’ cry of aching devotion with a hailstorm of quivering bent notes and brightly snapped strings in sharp, stinging phrases. Three songs later he’s playing in a twang and tremolo style like a Texas roadhouse veteran. In any context, what comes from Robillard’s nimble fingers and open mind is the sound of a master at work.

Duke Robillard is one of the founding members of Roomful of Blues, as well as one of the guitarists who replaced Jimmie Vaughan in the Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1990. Between that time, Robillard pursued a solo career that found him exploring more musically adventurous territory than either Roomful of Blues or the T-Birds. On his solo recordings, the guitarist dips into blues, rockabilly, jazz, and rock & roll, creating a unique fusion of American roots music.

Between stints with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and his work as a busy session player, Roomful of Blues founder and original guitarist Duke Robillard finds time to work with his own band, one of the most rockin' ensembles extant, highlighted by the vocal support of Susann Forrest. "Turn it Around" is yet another excellent Duke Robillard offering which features guest artist Suzanne Forest. This album was released about the same time as the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Walk that Walk, Talk that Talk" disc, and Duke's guitar and vocals are on the same high level as on the latter. Add angelic vocals by Ms. Forest and this disc is a superb representation of vintage Duke Robillard. Anybody who enjoys blues, Texas rock 'n roll and r&b needs to add this to their collection.

Robillard, both a good blues guitarist and knowledgeable swing player, displays his rocking side on this '88 date. There are flashier solos, more uptempo cuts, and an aggressive, frenetic quality that's missing on Robillard's jazz-oriented releases. Duke Robillard is an award-winning American blues, roots rock, and jazz guitarist. His warm, silvery, vintage sound and clean playing style evoke the entire history of blues, jump R&B, swing, and proto rock & roll. A globally renowned guitarist, Robillard is a singer, songwriter, bandleader, producer, and a first-call session player. A founding member of Roomful of Blues, he cut the roots-rocking Duke Robillard and the Pleasure Kings in 1983. He replaced Jimmie Vaughan in the Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1989 and remained through 1993.

Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne is a veteran blues and boogie piano player, raised in New Orleans but a long-time Vancouver resident. In uenced by Fats Domino and Johnnie Johnson, Kenny has worked in the past with Joe Louis Walker, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, Billy Preston and members of Sly & The Family Stone. His bass-heavy boogie piano work and original songs makes for powerful live performances, enhanced by the sartorial splendor of his boldly colored, French custom-tailored stage suits. An Old Rock On A Roll, was produced by Duke Robillard who says, “He’s a monster pianist, a soulful singer, and he captures the essence of old school blues and boogie while sounding totally fresh and contemporary”.

Texas Rhody Blues, featuring Jimmie Vaughan and Duke Robillard, is the third Knickerbocker All-Stars CD release. The project was supported by the Knickerbocker Music Center, a non-profit organization formed in partnership with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. The Knickerbocker Music Center will have an exciting performance venue and an exceptional center for music education. This CD has its roots in The Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals of the late 1950s and early ‘60s which turned many white soul searchers on to blues, rhythm and blues, and jump blues. In 1963, Blues at Newport was recorded live at the Newport Folk Festival, which featured many of the greatest folk and delta blues musicians.

Jim McCarty is a legendary Rock 'N Roll guitarist who has a deep passion for the Blues. This album captures McCarty playing "live" impromptu jams with Blues greats Duke Robillard, Jimmy Thackery, Johnny A, John Nemeth, Jason Ricci, John Badanjek, and The Millionaires. Besides his signature Les Paul Gibson, McCarty, plays SG's and Telecasters. Styles range from jump-to back alley-to slide blues. He's plays in duo, band, and big band formats. This CD shows sides of McCarty not previously captured. It's a showcase for his passion, skill, and depth as a Blues guitarist! James William McCarty is an American blues rock guitarist from Detroit, Michigan. He has performed with Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, the Buddy Miles Express, Cactus, The Rockets, the Detroit Blues Band, and more recently, Mystery Train. Since about 2014 Jim McCarty has joined forces with Detroit blues guitarist/songwriter Kenny Parker in The Kenny Parker Band along with several other veteran Detroit blues/rock musicians.