With
Duke's Blues, guitarist
Duke Robillard pays tribute to his blues idols, such as
Albert Collins,
T-Bone Walker,
Guitar Slim, and
Lowell Fulsom. As expected, it's an affectionate and professional tribute.
Robillard works with an augmented blues combo, featuring a second guitarist, piano, and a small horn section. The band runs through the material precisely and efficiently. Although there's plenty of fine musicianship throughout
Duke's Blues, it's the kind of record to admire, not love -- it's expertly executed, but it never catches fire. ~ Thom Owens