LivinBlues- CD reviews - Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl

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LivinBlues CD Reviews by Gary Tate -The Duke n' Earl of Blues!- back to archive

DUKE ROBILLARD: BLUE MOOD (STONY PLAIN)
When you talk about Duke Robillard it’s impossible to not also mention T-Bone Walker. Duke has finally completed a full-scale tribute to his mentor. ‘Blue Mood’ rings authentic and true, constantly delighting the listener with its elegance and passion. Master of every nuance of T-Bone’s style, Duke has adapted twelve T-Bone chestnuts to a relatively modern setting, while staying faithful to the details of the past. Tradition is honored, as the impeccable Jazzy/Blues arrangements of the original recordings are retained.

Thus lots of creative horns, cool keyboard work, plus the fascinating rhythmic progressions and lead guitar. Yet Duke elaborates upon these timeless components by nudging the time-proven framework into subtle directions that provide new insights into the artistry of the classics. Other Jazz-tinged delicacies suitable for partying include 'T-Bone Boogie', 'Pony Tail', and 'Tell Me What’s The Reason'. Duke covers all bases seamlessly, reminding us how T-Bone managed to make the Blues swing unlike any other. There’s the enduring allure of “Love Is A Gamble”, or the deep reverie of the title track. But for sheer brilliance and impeccable Blues balladry, nothing matched the spell cast on 'Still In Love With You'. Blue Mood is a labor of love. If T-Bone were still with us, he would be most proud! MP3- Pony Tail | - surf to www.dukerobillard.com

RONNIE EARL & THE BROADCASTERS: NOW MY SOUL (STONY PLAIN) -That guitarist Ronnie Earl has managed to cope with the emotional crises and physical ailments that have recently bedeviled him without any discernible impact on his artistry is uplifting. His comeback started with 'I Feel Like Goin’ On', and continues with 'Now My Soul'. Ronnie Earl’s musical vista is broad, while simultaneously revealing his inner demons and path of enlightenment. Otis Rush--one of Earl’s abiding mentors—also seemed suspended by that thin edge dividing normalcy from delusion.

Kim Wilson penetrates that abyss by pleading like a tormented soul on Otis Rush’s 'Double Trouble', while Ronnie’s crying strings respond in kind. On the instrumental side, there are many highlights, none as effective as 'Kay My Dear'. There’s also plenty of joyful vibes, including '#7', featuring the new Broadcasters (Dave Limina: piano/organ, Jimmy Mouridian: bass, Lorne Entress: drums). Things stay upbeat on 'My Buddy Buddy Friends', a funk-heavy Soul blaster dished up by Kim Wilson. The Silver Leaf Gospel Singers make a return visit, testifying gloriously on 'Walkin' On the Sea', while Ronnie’s guitar gently blesses the proceedings. 'The Magic of Sam' is Ronnie’s stunning tribute to Magic Sam. 'Walter Through Kim' is a tribute to Walter Horton. Negative experiences can often be channeled into creative output. The Blues, which favors feel and spontaneity over technique and structure, offers the perfect medium for such expression. And Ronnie Earl is the prime example of how the light of discovery can ascend from the darkness of despair. MP3- The Magic of Sam | - surf to www.ronnieearl.com