Review: Duke Robillard – Roll With Me
Duke Robillard – Roll With Me
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Stony Plain Records
Release: 2024
Text: Pascal Wilhelm
Duke Robillard recorded over 30 albums since 1984. And these are only the albums with him as (co-) leader, he contributed to many, many others. Duke was founder of Roomful of Blues (with Al Copley) and replaced Jimmie Vaughan in The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Although having been a member of several bands in his career, he also pursued a solo career in both jazz and blues.
On this new album ‘Roll With Me,’ he pays tribute to post-war jump blues, showcasing his guitar playing (with that great out-of-phase Espanada sound), supported by the finest musicians.
Twelve songs on this album by blues legends such as Eddy Boyd (Bluecoat Man) Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown (You Got Money), Big Joe Turner (Boogie Woogie Country Girl), and Willie Dixon (Built For Comfort). John Paul Gauthier recorded and mixed the songs and did a marvellous job.
Although the songs were cut in different studios, this is not noticeable. Many parts were recorded live.
In all, the album is a great way to get into this style of music. But also for us blues purists who can listen to west coast blues ALL the time, this is a great album to add to your collection.
At 75, Duke is still in the race.
Tracks:
01. Bluecoat Man (Eddie Boyd)
02. Just Kiss Me (Duke Robillard)
03. Are You Going My Way (Antoine Domino)
04. I Know You Love Me (Joe Turner)
05. Boogie Uproar (Clarence Brown)
06. Look What You Done (McKinley Morganfield)
07. Built For Comfort (Willie Dixon)
08. My Plea (Duke Robillard)
09. You Got Money (Clarence Brown)
10. Boogie Woogie Country Girl (Joe Turner)
11. Give Me Back My Money (Duke Robillard)
12. Don’t You Want To Roll Will Me (Duke Robillard)
Line-up:
Duke Robillard – guitar and vocals (all vocals except track 6 and 9 by Chris Cote)
Mark Teixeira – drums on all tracks
Marty Ballou – acoustic and electric bass on all tracks (except tracks 6 and 9)
Brad Hallen – bass on tracks 6 and 9
Matt McCabe – piano on all tracks (except tracks 6 and 9 by Bruce Bears)
Chris Cote – vocals on track 6 and 9
Doug James – baritone and tenor saxophone on all tracks (except 6 and 9)
Rich Lataille – alto and tenor saxophone on tracks 2 and 5
Pam Murray – trombone on all tracks except 6 and 9
Doug Woolverton – trumpet (track 9)
Mark Earley tenor – and baritone saxophone (track 9)
Sugar Ray Norcia – harmonica (track 6)
Carl Querfurth – trombone (tracks 2 and 5)
Al Basile – cornet (tracks 2 and 5)
Website: http://www.dukerobillard.com/