Showing posts with label Duke Robillard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Duke Robillard. Show all posts

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Gerry Beaudoin Trio - Minor Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:14
Size: 105.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 1992/2013
Art: Front

[5:17] 1. Swing With Dr Jake
[5:29] 2. Annouman
[3:50] 3. Baby Boy Blues
[3:36] 4. Ain't No Sunshine
[5:54] 5. Django's Castle
[3:24] 6. Minor Swing
[4:08] 7. In A Mellow Tone
[3:54] 8. So Long Ebony
[3:46] 9. Airola
[6:51] 10. Jackie's Serenade

“… Gerry Beaudoin is a fine guitarist, composer and arranger. I am looking forward to more musical adventures with Gerry and his trio in the future.” - David Grisman

The all acoustic, no amps allowed, recordings by the Gerry Beaudoin Trio were a watershed mark in Gerry’s’ career. His special guest, mandolinist David Grisman, had a huge impact on on the way Gerry looked at music and the setting he presented it in. ” When I first heard the David Grisman Quintet I was very aware after a few songs that David was not just a jazz player but had allowed all of his experiences in music and all the genres he played or listened to to come out in his music. I also noticed, like all great jazz musicians, he used the Quintet as an instrument. One other thing that wasn’t lost on me was that instead of playing jazz standards he was presenting his original compositions and crossing genres and grooves effortlessly. This had a huge impact on me. I started writing more of my own material that wasn’t solely based on the jazz lexicon and listening to a broader spectrum of music.” One other important fact wasn’t lost on Gerry,” I learned from seeing The David Grisman Quintet that all acoustic instruments performing with out amplification is such a great, pure musical sound. Each instrument has it’s own unique voice acoustically that has to be brought out by the player. His technique and control of the instrument helps create the sound not amplification which can change the sound drastically. ” After jamming in the dressing room with David one night at Cambridge Massachusetts now defunct club, Night Stage, Gerry knew what he wanted to do for his next recording. He invited David in as his guest with his new band that included two or three acoustic guitars, Gerry, Larry Baione and Duke Robillard, his regular rhythm section of Bob Nieske on acoustic bass, Chuck Laire on drums and Matt Glaser on fiddle. The result was his fourth recording as a leader, the all acoustic Minor Swing. The rapport between David and Gerry was instant as well as the rest of the band. The ten song CD, running the gamut from Django Rheinhart, Bill Withers, Duke Ellington and five Beaudoin originals has been hailed as one of Gerry’s finest recordings. David’s appearance on seven songs is stunning in it’s virtuosity. ”Through out the session David was into it like it was his own project and his wealth of experience in the recording studio as well as in performing totally acoustic music contributed immensely to the success of the recording. ”Gerry knew when he walked out of the studio he had recorded a winner. ” It was one of the best times I ever had in the studio. Everyone contributed to make the music the best we could. Stand out memories are Bob’s solo on Jackie’s Serenade and Dukes solo break on Swing with Dr. Jake and of course playing with David. Everyone was hot and playing in the pocket.” says Gerry almost twenty years later.

Minor Swing

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Scott Hamilton, Duke Robillard - Swingin' Again

Styles: Saxophone And Guitar Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:22
Size: 120,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:24) 1. I Never Knew
(5:04) 2. I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket
(4:56) 3. Never Mind
(3:03) 4. Steady Daddy
(6:57) 5. All I Do Is Dream of You
(7:19) 6. Blue Lou
(6:05) 7. Pennies from Heaven
(5:22) 8. You Can Depend on Me
(4:17) 9. Esquire Bounce
(4:49) 10. One-O-Clock Jump

Scott Hamilton – Swingin’ Again (Blue Duchess): “After leaving Roomful of Blues, the gifted guitarist Duke Robillard has made several jazz recordings, naturally all infused with the blues. This time out Duke enlisted the magnificent jazz tenor saxophonist, Scott Hamilton to co-lead the band through an exquisite set of jazz and blues standards. Three of the album’s ten selections are vocal, this is a true foot-tappin; and finger snappin’ delight.” (https://www.kuvo.org/new-music-monday-jimi-swingin-again-la-source-codes/)

“Tenor sax giant Scott Hamilton and blues guitarist Duke Robillard get together with the Duke Robillard Band for a Swingin’ set of classic jazz and blues that are bound to make you tap your feet while mixing a classic cocktail. With special guests Sugar Ray Norcia, Jon-Eeik Kellso, Sunny Crownover and Tim Ray!” (https://www.dukerobillard.com/) Smooth swing. I regret I am not able to find any samples to post. https://www.wtju.net/new-jazz-news-762021/

Personnel: Scott Hamilton - Saxophone; Duke Robillard - Guitar

Swingin' Again

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Duke Robillard - Exalted Lover

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:52
Size: 97,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:56)  1. Down Home Country Girl
(3:46)  2. I'll Never Be Free
(2:53)  3. Real Live Wire
(4:59)  4. Exalted Lover
(4:42)  5. Deep Inside
(3:56)  6. How Long Has It Been
(4:12)  7. Tore Up
(4:22)  8. Love Made A Liar Out Of Me
(4:35)  9. Double A Daddy
(3:24) 10. Travelin' Mood

Duke Robillard's second 2003 release could just as well have been titled Living With the Blues, Part 2, since it picks up where his 2002 album of that name left off. Returning to the Roomful of Blues horn sound (where he began his recording career in 1977), Robillard employs brass on the majority of these rocking blues tracks. In fact, both saxist Doug James and trombone player Carl Querfurth (who play on this album) are Roomful alumni, as is pianist Matt McCabe. The horns are used more for embellishment, though, in contrast to Roomful, where they often define the sound. The opening mid-tempo swamp rock of "Down Home Country Girl" kicks things off in tough form with Robillard's gutsy singing fronting the powerful brass, but a short guitar solo fades out just as it builds up a head of steam. Robillard then branches out into classic R&B territory when he duets with Pam Tillis on a sweet and sassy version of "I'll Never Be Free," a tune made popular by Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dinah Washington, Louis Jordan, and others. Rollicking tracks such as "Real Live Wire," "How Long Has It Been" (a crackling vocal and guitar duet with Debbie Davies, returning the favor of Robillard producing her Love the Game album), and a rockabilly-flavored "Love Made a Liar of Me" keep the mood upbeat. The lounge/jazz swing of the title track (with sensual French spoken-word from Aimee Hill along with Robillard playing a guitar synth that sounds like a trumpet) and "Double X Daddy" brings the disc back to the Roomful days with swanky horn solos. "Deep Inside" hearkens back to classic blues/R&B that Robillard does so well. He adds a stinging, staccato, Albert King-styled solo that stabs through the song and is one of the album's finest leads. A percussion-heavy, Bo Diddley-ized version of James Wayne's "Travelin' Mood" closes out an album that shows a few different sides of Robillard, but stays closer to his blues and swing roots. He seems to be having a blast throughout, and even though his voice isn't as polished as his guitar skills, he puts across these songs with exuberance and class. It's another excellent entry to an already strong catalog that continues to improve with age. ~ Hal Horowitz https://www.allmusic.com/album/exalted-lover-mw0000324658

Personnel: Acoustic Guitar – Duke Robillard; Acoustic Bass – Jesse Williams , Marty Ballou; Baritone Saxophone – Doug James; Bass Guitar – Duke Robillard, Jesse Williams; Drums – Mark Teixeira; Electric Guitar – Debbie Davies, Duke Robillard; Guitar [Dobro] – Duke Robillard; Guitar Synthesizer [Roland] – Duke Robillard; Organ – Steve Burk; Piano – Matt McCabe, Steve Burk); Tenor Saxophone – Doug James , Sax Gordon; Trombone – Carl Querfurth; Trumpet – Scott Aruda; Vocals – Debbie Davies, Duke Robillard, Pam Tillis  

Exalted Lover

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Duke Robillard & Herb Ellis - Conversations In Swing Guitar

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:22
Size: 110,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:45)  1. Flying Home
(7:59)  2. Easin' In
(5:16)  3. Jivin' In Rhythm
(8:49)  4. Just Squeeze Me
(6:31)  5. Avalon
(9:14)  6. Blue Brew
(5:46)  7. Stuffy

This is a not very challenging, but thoroughly charming, summit meeting between a blues guitar master and a jazz guitar legend. Taking four classic swing tunes ("Just Squeeze Me," "Avalon," "Stuffy," and, inevitably, "Flyin' Home"), two Robillard originals, and a jointly composed slow blues, and helped out by bassist Marty Ballou and drummer Marty Richards, Duke Robillard and Herb Ellis deliver a 48-minute swing guitar master class, Conversations in Swing Guitar. Ellis comes from jazz and Robillard from the blues, so their approaches are just distinct enough to keep things interesting; although both play with a clean, fat jazz tone and no one ever really hauls off and shreds, Robillard tends towards bent notes and funky chordal things while Ellis thinks a bit more in terms of long lines and florid ornamentation. Every so often you might find yourself wishing that the edges were just a bit rougher, but both of these guys are clearly having a great old time, and you will too.~ Rick Anderson https://www.allmusic.com/album/conversations-in-swing-guitar-mw0000258558

Personnel:   Lead Guitar [Right Channel] – Duke Robillard;   Lead Guitar [Left Channel] – Herb Ellis;   Bass – Marty Ballou;   Drums – Marty Richards. 

Conversations In Swing Guitar

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Duke Robillard, Herb Ellis - More Conversations In Swing Guitar

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:27
Size: 94.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[7:31] 1. Moten Swing
[7:23] 2. Train to Texas
[6:47] 3. Robbin's Nest
[5:35] 4. Just You, Just Me
[7:32] 5. Blues For Terry
[6:35] 6. End Of Session Jump

Doubled instruments don't always mean doubled pleasure, but jazz great Herb Ellis and seasoned roots stylist Duke Robillard imparts just the right amount of contrast and just the right amount of chemistry to make for a memorable collaboration. This sequel to 1999's Conversations in Swing Guitar never falls back on swing convention or swing nostalgia, attaining an up-to-the-minute vitality. Varying his tangy Texas tone to spot-on effect on tunes ranging from the jazz classic "Just You, Just Me," to Robillard's torch-worthy "Blues for Terry," Ellis slides magnetically across the beat even as he propels it. Robillard, who produced the album, answers with fuller-bodied phrases that pay homage to Ellis' generation while reflecting the eclectic approach of his own era. As with all memorable conversations, the musicians--including the rhythmically fine-tuned acoustic guitarist Terry Holmes--hear every word the other has to say. ~Lloyd Sachs

More Conversations In Swing Guitar   

Friday, March 24, 2017

Adrianna Marie & Her Roomful Of All-Stars - Kingdom Of Swing

Size: 177,1 MB
Time: 76:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jump Blues, Blues Jazz
Art: Front

01. Kingdom Of Swing (4:26)
02. Better Beware (4:02)
03. Sidecar Mama (4:13)
04. Mood Indigo (8:54)
05. 3 Am Blues (6:53)
06. Gimmie A Roomful (4:36)
07. Memphis Boogie (4:45)
08. Drive Me Daddy (6:02)
09. Baby I Got You (4:21)
10. Jump With You Baby (4:23)
11. The Blues Are Brewin' (7:58)
12. One Sweet Letter (4:38)
13. T-Bone Boogie (3:41)
14. Blues After Hours (7:13)

Sophisticated, sultry, playful, and she knows how to put the jazz in blues and the blues in jazz. Adrianna Marie was made to sing this music and in her sophomore release, KINGDOM OF SWING, she is back with her dream team band. Produced by Duke Robillard, this cast is undoubtedly a roomful of blues, featuring Al Copley, L.A. Jones, Duke Robillard, Doug “Mr. Low” James, Rich Lataille,Mark Earley, Doug Woolverton, Carl Q, Junior Watson, Brian Fahey, Kedar Roy and Bob Corritore. It’s a romping, swinging and crafty album of originals and a few re-imagined covers that features Adrianna Marie singing every bit as sultry, sassy and smart as the vintage songstresses she adores so much.

The songs arrive in a variety of grooves, with subjects ranging from romance and fun (naturally) to reflections on the music itself. This album is “big” as in big band; complete with lush layered instrumentation and genre perfect chords and head arrangements, sublime solos and driving riffs. Prepare youself to be transported to a time of fast cars, strong drinks, posh night clubs and well dressed men and woman either in love or playing at it. ~by Tom Hyslop

Kingdom Of Swing

Saturday, March 11, 2017

The Duke Robillard Jazz Trio - Wobble Walkin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:06
Size: 153.6 MB
Styles: Jazz-blues guitar
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[6:50] 1. Wobble Walkin'
[3:28] 2. I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me
[5:43] 3. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[4:03] 4. Sunday Mornin
[4:08] 5. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[5:30] 6. Skippy's Dream
[5:43] 7. All Of Me
[4:26] 8. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
[4:21] 9. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[6:59] 10. Hi-Heel Sneakers
[6:49] 11. If I Had You
[3:20] 12. Back Home Again, In Indiana
[5:39] 13. Jesse's Blues

Duke Robillard: guitar; Brad Hallen: acoustic bass; Mark Teixeira: drums; Mickey Freeman: vocals (5).

Guitarist Duke Robillard may be widely praised for his blues bona fides, but calling him a blues guitarist is a bit limiting. While his work with Roomful of Blues and his stint with the Fabulous Thunderbirds have earned him a large fan base and some well-deserved respect in the blues and guitar communities, he's proven himself equally conversant in jazz and elsewhere. Blues music remains his bread and butter, but albums like After Hours Swing Session (Rounder, 1990), Conversations In Swing Guitar (Stony Plain, 1999), and A Swingin Session With Duke Robillard (Stony Plain, 2008) have marked him as a unique jazz stylist with an innate sense of musicality.

Wobble Walkin' can be added under the "Jazz-centered Releases" heading in Robillard's discography, but it retains the essence of his favored style. One could no sooner remove stripes from a zebra than remove the blues from the guitar work of Duke Robillard. Every chord and line that emanates from his being is connected to the world of the blues, regardless of the material, and his delivery could serve as the very definition of unassuming musical sophistication. Robillard is joined by two of his blues band brethren—bassist Brad Hallen and drummer Mark Teixeira—on a program that favors standards and Robillard originals. While neither sideman commands the same attention as a soloist that Robillard does, they both have plenty to offer. Hallen's walking lines help to establish a solid foundation, his melodic gifts are put to good use ("Things Ain't What They Used To Be"), and his solos are enjoyable and understated. Teixeira's brushwork is crisp and swinging, his snare drum-focused soloing is articulate and absorbing ("Skippy's Dream"), and his drumming is the rhythmic fuel that powers the band during their brighter performances ("Hi-Heel Sneakers" and "Back Home Again, In Indiana").

While Robillard shares the spotlight with his trio mates, trading solos or taking a backseat while they step forward, he's the one to watch throughout. He imprints his distinctive sound onto every song, whether dishing out the melody on an original that sounds like it could be a late-period Wes Montgomery tune ("Sunday Mornin'") or backing vocalist Mickey Freeman ("Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You"). His solos are like musical jewels of inevitability, possessing a shape and arc that almost seem predestined due to their absolute rightness, and they possess an outer affability that elevates the music. Wobble Walkin' is that rare album that wins without the intent to wow. This is just terrific, take-it-as-it-comes music that confirms Robillard's place among the great guitarists operating today. ~Dan Bilawsky

Wobble Walkin'

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Scott Hamilton & Friends - Across The Tracks

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:51
Size: 130,9 MB
Art: Front + Back

(6:24)  1. Deuces Wild
(5:35)  2. Parker's Pals
(5:41)  3. Save Your Love For Me
(8:15)  4. Cop Out
(5:34)  5. Intermission Riff
(4:25)  6. Sweet Slumber
(7:48)  7. Something For Red
(8:58)  8. Blue Turning Gray Over You
(4:08)  9. Memories Of You

A tenor saxophonist standing foursquare and unreconstructed in the tradition established by Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster and Illinois Jacquet, Scott Hamilton is considered so uncool in some quarters that to admit you enjoy him is to risk being shunned by hip society. Now in his mid-fifties and playing a brand of jazz that was at its peak before he was born, Hamilton hasn't deviated from his style since his debut album, Scott Hamilton Is A Good Wind Who Is Blowing Us No Ill (Concord, 1977), recorded when he was just 23. Since then he's made another sixty-plus discs as leader or co-leader an output, interestingly, which in jazz is matched only by saxophonists directly opposite him on the stylometer, like Anthony Braxton or Evan Parker. In the process, Hamilton's honeyed sound and easy swing have given all but the most po-faced pleasure. He plays the style he plays guilelessly and with conviction, as though born to it. His music has degrees of creativity absent from the pasticheurs. Retro he might be, revivalist he certainly isn't. Across 

The Tracks, produced by Bob Porter and recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at his Englewood, New Jersey studio (hence the title), is an infectious set of mainly up-tempo ballads and blues, on which Hamilton fronts a quartet completed by guitarist Duke Robillard, organist Gene Ludwig and drummer Chuck Riggs. Baritone saxophonist Doug James is added on two tracks, "Parker's Pals" and "Intermission Riff." The guitar/organ/drums line-up suggests chicken shack soul-jazz, circa 1960 and on one track, an ebullient reading of "Something For The Road," Hamilton adopts an appropriately vocalized and raw tone. But elsewhere he favors the warm, caressing sound, given a languorous vibrato at slower tempos, for which he's best known. Hamilton is brilliantly served by his band. 

Robillard's elliptical solos are magic, giving fresh nuances to familiar structures, and even when comping he's worth listening to. James shines on his two guest appearances, particularly the boppish "Parker's Pals," written by fellow baritone player Leo Parker and first heard on Parker's Let Me Tell You 'Bout It (Blue Note, 1962), now available in a fine Van Gelder remastered edition. Ludwig and Riggs, who has played with Hamilton on and off for over thirty years, cook from start to finish. Forget the style police and give yourself a treat. Scott Hamilton may not stretch the envelope, but he surely seals it with a kiss.~Chris May https://www.allaboutjazz.com/across-the-tracks-scott-hamilton-review-by-chris-may.php

Personnel: Scott Hamilton: tenor saxophone;  Duke Robillard: electric guitar;  Gene Ludwig: organ;  Chuck Riggs: drums;  Doug James: baritone saxophone (2, 5).

Across The Tracks

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Jay McShann - Still Jumpin' The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 62:21
Size: 142.8 MB
Styles: Piano blues-jazz, Jump blues
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[ 4:32] 1. Goin' To Chicago
[ 4:19] 2. Moten Swing
[ 4:55] 3. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[ 3:40] 4. Ain't Nobody's Business
[ 3:06] 5. Come On Over To My House
[ 3:29] 6. Trouble In Mind
[ 4:11] 7. Say Forward, I'll March
[ 6:53] 8. Backwater Blues
[ 4:51] 9. She's Got It
[ 4:31] 10. Hootie's K.C. Christmas Prayer
[17:48] 11. Interview

At age 83, pianist/vocalist Jay McShann was still at the top of his game and providing many lessons for the younger "swing" cats and kittens. He is the epitome of what can be done when jazz and blues are mixed equally, especially when the fun factor is liberally added in. While some might find this typical, many others should revel in the sound of one of this music's last living legends who is still doing it, and doing it very well at that. The chemistry between McShann and guitarist/session leader Duke Robillard is considerable and undeniable, and makes Still Jumpin' the Blues enjoyable throughout. With such solid support from Robillard and the band, McShann has nothing to worry about. Everything you might want is here: classic versions of "Goin' to Chicago," "Ain't Nobody's Business," and "Trouble In Mind"; a nice rearrangement with tempo shift from mellow to mid-tempo on "Sunny Side of the Street"; Maria Muldaur's sultry singing on "Come on Over to My House," and especially the Bessie Smith evergreen "Backwater Blues"; wonderful instrumentals like "Moten Swing" and "Say Forward, I'll March"; and even a little Hawaiian slide accenting "Hootie's K.C. Christmas Prayer." The disc ends with a short solo piano version of "Georgia on My Mind," followed by a lengthy interview with McShann, explaining his nickname "Hootie," happenings in Kansas City, and other topics. Recordings this precious, historical and relevant cannot be dismissed. Instead they should be celebrated, as should the career of McShann, a most enduring figure in American music. His signature spare piano, with its bluesy flourishes, and his slightly mushy vocal style are as distinctive as any, and come shining through on this exceptional document of one of our true musical treasures. ~Michael G. Nastos

Still Jumpin'The Blues 

Monday, December 28, 2015

Chris Flory With Duke Robillard And Friends - Blues In My Heart

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:12
Size: 108,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:46)  1. Scam
(7:20)  2. Willow Weep For Me
(4:49)  3. Bernie's Tune
(5:01)  4. I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues
(3:34)  5. Shine
(4:51)  6. Blue Bossa
(5:09)  7. Please Send Me Someone To Love
(4:27)  8. If Dreams Come True
(5:10)  9. Blues In My Heart

Celebrated jazz guitarist Chris Flory (formerly of the Scott Hamilton Quartet and longtime associate of pianist Judy Carmichael) is joined for his fifth album as a leader by members of the New England jump blues aristocracy: guitarist Duke Robillard (who produced the album and sings on its closing track), Roomful of Blues vocalist Sugar Ray Norcia, bassist Marty Ballou, and drummer Chuck Riggs. Flory's former boss, Scott Hamilton, sits in on two track as well. The result is a program of small-ensemble swing that comes across as genuinely joyful, but maybe just a bit too gentle. Flory's tone is warm and soft, and Robillard seems to be holding back just a bit in response. 

The rhythm section keeps things moving along nicely but doesn't drive the proceedings as hard as they perhaps should have. But that's not to say that the album isn't thoroughly lovely and genuinely enjoyable the group's rendition of "Shine" offers a perfect balance between light virtuosity and inexorable swing, Flory's graceful, tripping solos on "Bernie's Tune" are especially impressive, and Norcia's vocal appearances are all highlights on the program. It's just that if the players had let loose a bit more, this album could have been a real blast. As it is, it's just thoroughly lovely and genuinely enjoyable. ~ Rick Anderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/blues-in-my-heart-mw0000598465

Personnel: Chris Flory (guitar);  Duke Robillard (vocals, guitar);  Sugar Ray Norcia (vocals);  Scott Hamilton (saxophone);  Chuck Riggs (drums);  Marty Ballou (bass).

Blues In My Heart

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Duke Robillard - After Hours Swing Session

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:24
Size: 92.5 MB
Styles: Jazz/Blues
Year: 1992/2011
Art: Front

[2:31] 1. The Trouble With Me Is You
[4:07] 2. Shivers
[4:30] 3. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
[5:41] 4. Sweet Georgia Brown
[4:26] 5. Twist Top
[4:50] 6. I'll Never Be The Same
[7:03] 7. Tiny's Tempo
[7:12] 8. Albi Ain't Here

While guitarist Duke Robillard has won widespread popularity for his facility with rocking blues and barrelhouse numbers, he also loves understated, quietly swinging jazz fare. He got a chance to demonstrate his proficiency in this style on this intimate combo session. The eight songs featured on the CD include brisk workouts as well as light-hearted numbers that showcase Robillard's decent, if not great, voice, along with his fluid, tasty fills and crisp, clean acoustic and electric guitar solos. Here's another side of Duke Robillard, one that deserves equal billing with the flashy, burning one. ~Ron Wynn

After Hours Swing Session

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Duke Robillard - 2 albums: A Swingin' Session / Tales From The Tiki Lounge

Album: A Swingin Session
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:04
Size: 119.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Contemporary blues
Year: 2008
Art: Full

[3:56] 1. Deed I Do
[6:42] 2. The Lonesome Road
[5:20] 3. Them That Got
[4:35] 4. Just Because
[3:29] 5. Meet Me At No Special Place
[6:49] 6. Red Dog
[4:52] 7. They Raided The Joint
[6:34] 8. When Your Lover Has Gone
[3:08] 9. The Song Is Ended
[6:34] 10. Swinging With Lucy Mae

Duke Robillard has always had one foot in the blues world and one in the swing/jazz universe. He loves both styles of music and enjoys not only playing them separately but combining them together. The founder of Roomful of Blues back in 1967, Robillard has led dozens of projects throughout his career, including collaborations with guitarist Herb Ellis, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Jay McShann. On A Swingin Session, he plays with some of his favorite musicians, many of whom originated (like he did) in Rhode Island. While six horn players participate, there are no more than four on any one selection, and some numbers do not have any. The contrasting tenor solos are fun to hear, with Scott Hamilton sounding smooth and mellow on his numbers while Sax Gordon is greasier and much closer to Illinois Jacquet.

Present throughout are Bruce Katz (mostly on organ), one of three bassists (usually Marty Ballou), and drummer Mark Teixeira. Robillard takes vocals on half of the selections in his personable way, but it is his guitar solos, which hint at both Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker, that often take honors. Performing medium-tempo blues, jump tunes, standards, and good-time numbers, Duke Robillard shows listeners a fun time and clearly enjoys himself, too. ~Scott Yanow

A Swingin Session

Album: Duke Robillard & Sunny Crownover - Tales From The Tiki Lounge
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:57
Size: 123.5 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Contemporary blues, Jazz vocals
Year: 2009
Art: Full

[0:16] 1. Intro
[3:08] 2. Bye Bye Blues
[3:22] 3. Occidental Woman
[3:24] 4. Besame Mucho
[3:15] 5. Just One More Chance
[2:38] 6. Tico Tico
[2:25] 7. I'm Still In Love With You
[2:54] 8. Sway
[2:35] 9. Put The Blame On Mame, Pt. 1
[2:01] 10. Put The Blame On Mame, Pt. 2
[4:25] 11. Smoke Rings
[3:30] 12. Kiss Of Fire
[4:06] 13. Crazy
[3:11] 14. Goody Goody
[3:54] 15. Romance In The Dark
[4:58] 16. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
[3:48] 17. Sway

Tales from the Tiki Lounge is Duke Robillard and Sunny Crownover's tribute to Les Paul & Mary Ford. Robillard, an accomplished veteran guitarist with a background in blues and swing, demonstrates that he knows his way around a Gibson Les Paul model guitar in the ways that Paul played and overdubbed it on his series of hit recordings with his then-wife, Ford, singing from the early '50s to the early ‘60s.

Crownover, whose voice producer Robillard sometimes double-tracks or adds echo to in emulation of Paul's recording approach, has a warm tone consistent with Ford's. The selections include many of the Paul/Ford hits, including "Bye Bye Blues," "Just One More Chance," "Smoke Rings," and "I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)," as well as songs Robillard has wisely selected that, while not actually recorded by Paul and Ford, can be performed in their style. These include "Occidental Woman," a song sung by Mae West in her 1936 movie Klondike Annie that sounds like it could have been written by Hoagy Carmichael on the same afternoon as "Hong Kong Blues" (it's actually by Gene Austin and predates the Carmichael composition by three years); "Put the Blame on Mame" (broken into two tracks with different verses and arrangements), the song lip-synced by Rita Hayworth (but actually sung by Anita Ellis) in the 1946 film noir Gilda; and "Crazy," Willie Nelson's song for Patsy Cline that became a hit in the early '60s. The selections thus predate and postdate the Paul/Ford era, but the music is all of a piece with it. The album title is slightly off-topic, but, despite Robillard's obvious affection for and appreciation of the music, there is an inescapably camp feel to it that helps it fit into the lounge/exotica style, especially given the frequent use of Latin rhythms including tango and rhumba. It's all in fun, of course, but Robillard effectively eulogizes Paul's guitar technique only a short time after his death. ~William Ruhlmann

Tales From The Tiki Lounge

Friday, March 6, 2015

Jimmy Witherspoon - Jimmy Witherspoon With The Duke Robillard Band

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:52
Size: 130.2 MB
Styles: Urban blues, Jazz-blues
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[13:59] 1. Glide On
[ 6:30] 2. Going Down Slow
[ 5:54] 3. Big Boss Man
[ 8:11] 4. Ain't Nobody's Business
[ 7:05] 5. I'll Always Be In Love With You
[ 8:22] 6. Stormy Monday Blues
[ 6:49] 7. Times Getting' Tougher Than Tough

The material on this album was recorded in concert shortly before Jimmy Witherspoon's death at age 74, and it appears that this was his last recording. The significance of that fact cuts both ways on this attractive but sometimes frustrating album. On the one hand, fans will welcome it as a last document of Witherspoon's undeniable talent and presence. On the other hand, it's hard to overlook the fact that by this point he was no longer at the peak of his powers. Although he tries gamely to generate the energy of his past work -- and occasionally succeeds, as on the electrifying "I'll Always Be in Love With You" -- for the most part his voice is phlegmy and weak, his intonation approximate at best. Duke Robillard works well with Witherspoon, goosing his band to a level of energy intended to invigorate the aging singer without overpowering him, and delivering sharp and witty solos that keep things lively and interesting. There is also a fine cameo appearance by the British blues singer Long John Baldry, whose presence also seems to give Witherspoon a shot in the arm. Overall, though, this is an album that will appeal primarily to diehard fans of the singer and to Robillard completists. ~Rick Anderson

Jimmy Witherspoon With The Duke Robillard Band

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Duke Robillard - Duke`s Box, The Blues And More (3-CD Set)

As usual, Dixiefrog has designed a great-looking 8-page digipak containing three CDs. Duke's looking back at almost twenty years with StonyPlain/Dixiefrog. Philippe Langlois has compiled a nice selection of blues related music: blues, jump/swing, and rock/blues. Two unreleased tracks, plus two bonus cuts with Sonny & Her Joy Boys.

Album: Duke`s Box, The Blues And More Cd 1
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:42
Size: 177.9 MB
Styles: Contemporary blues
Year: 2009

[2:59] 1. I Still Love You Baby
[3:55] 2. Buy Me A Dog
[4:49] 3. Everything Is Broken
[5:24] 4. Never Let You Go
[3:57] 5. How Long Has It Been
[3:05] 6. Midnite Cannonball
[7:48] 7. West Side Shuffle
[4:28] 8. Gambler Blues
[6:41] 9. Pony Blues
[3:20] 10. World Of Blues
[7:07] 11. Goodtime Charlie
[8:36] 12. Blues Nightmare
[8:09] 13. Two Bones And A Pick
[7:17] 14. The Return Of Duke`s Mood

Duke`s Box, The Blues And More Cd 1

Album: Duke`s Box, The Blues And More Cd 2
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:43
Size: 157.3 MB
Styles: Contemporary blues
Year: 2009

[4:10] 1. Lonesome Woman Blues
[4:50] 2. Glamour Girl
[3:18] 3. Gee I Wish
[6:42] 4. The Lonesome Road
[9:00] 5. I`m Still In Love With You
[7:20] 6. Train To Texas
[6:33] 7. When Your Lover Has Gone
[2:46] 8. Hardway
[6:47] 9. Red Dog
[5:56] 10. I Got It Bad (And That Ain`t Good)
[3:18] 11. I Miss My Baby In My Arms
[3:11] 12. Jimmie`s Texas Blues
[4:46] 13. Undecided

Duke`s Box, The Blues And More Cd 2

Album: Duke`s Box, The Blues And More Cd 3
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:18
Size: 181.6 MB
Styles: Contemporary blues
Year: 2009

[ 2:53] 1. Real Live Wire
[ 3:51] 2. Slim Jenkins Joint
[ 4:04] 3. Jumpin`rockin`rhytm
[ 5:18] 4. Low Side Of The Road
[ 3:06] 5. Just Before Daw/Dawn
[ 4:33] 6. Fishnet
[16:12] 7. Blues A Rama
[ 8:47] 8. Love Sick
[ 4:54] 9. Do The Memphis Grind
[ 6:34] 10. Too Much Stuff
[ 8:23] 11. Stratisfied
[ 5:16] 12. Addiction
[ 5:23] 13. Rehab

Duke`s Box, The Blues And More Cd 3

s c a n s

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Dan Moretti & The Hammond Boys - Live At Chan's

Size: 148,7 MB
Time: 64:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Soul Jazz
Art: Front

01. Moanin' (Live) (6:29)
02. Shuffle Twist (Live) (5:40)
03. Da Du Dah (Live) (6:17)
04. Free For All (Live) (5:43)
05. Soul Underneath (Live) (5:56)
06. No. 1 Green Street (Live) (6:40)
07. Twistin' The Jug (Live) (6:27)
08. Ronnie's Bonnies (Live) (7:29)
09. Low Down (Live) (6:30)
10. Soul Shouting (Live) (6:51)

Dan Moretti and the Hammond boys are alive and cookin with their deep Soul-Jazz performance on this welcome live release.

Veteran Saxophonist Dan Moretti has put together a smokin’ live set of vibrant Soul-Jazz on Dan Moretti and The Hammond Boys “Live at Chan’s”. With fellow musicians Duke Robillard-Guitar, Dave Limina-Hammond Organ, Lorne Entress-Drums and Jessse Williams-Acoustic and Electric Basses the band is alive and cookin in their deep groove and down-home energy.

This recording represents a tribute to the live spirit of the vibrant Soul-Jazz era of the 60’s. Many of the grooves of that era are covered like the double shuffle of “Shuffle Twist”, the flat-tire of “Soul Shouting”, and the boogaloo of “Ronnies Bonnies”, combined with new arrangements like the funk version of “Moanin” by Bobby Timmons, to the slow blues of “Low Down” by King Curtis, and a special tribute to Roland Kirk with a great blues flute performance by Moretti on “Soul Underneath”. These song selections combined with the feel and soulful performances of these jazz and blues veterans makes this Soul-Jazz session a down home and exciting listen.

Saxophonist Dan Moretti’s rich and diverse performing and recording career has spanned over 30 years with just last year a world tour with legendary guitarist-producer Nile Rodgers in support of his 4 Grammys with Daft Punk. Now he has launched a new label “Roots Grooves Records”, with this his 16th new release. Moretti’s recordings have spanned many jazz based styles from straight-jazz to latin-jazz, to Italian roots music and contemporary jazz. Dan Moretti and the Hammond Boys is his long awaited soul-jazz outing. Dan was once asked what kinds of music does he like and his reply was “music that sounds good and communicates” I have to “get it” from an artist. It’s that communal feeling that make this new recording a must play.

Live At Chan's

Monday, July 21, 2014

Tony Z - Get Down With The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 52:34
Size: 120.3 MB
Styles: Jazz/blues, Soul-blues
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[7:00] 1. Get Down With The Blues
[3:29] 2. Something Funky About Your Love
[4:54] 3. Too Fine To Be Mine
[4:06] 4. I've Got A New Love
[8:28] 5. Paradise Memorial Gardens
[3:54] 6. Roger Pace
[6:38] 7. The Blues That Was Waiting For Me
[8:43] 8. Tone-Cool
[5:18] 9. Who Are You Thinking Of

Apparently, Tony Z’s been hiding out on the road with the likes of the Platters and Ronnie Earl just waiting for his chance to spring. And man, has he sprung. Tony says his main influences are "the two Jimmies," Smith and McGriff. When you feel comfortable pulling those names out of the hat, you’d better have something to show for it. He does–in spades.

The first thing you notice is that there’s some real life in these boys. Sounds like somebody wanted to make a record real bad. The excellent liner notes will fill you in on Tony’s whole story–piano lessons in the convent to seasoned road warrior. They don’t say where he picked up his ear for writing. Nine of the ten tunes were penned by Tony, and they’re not all just your father’s I IV V. He manages to toss in some pretty tasty, pretty subtle little twists, particularly on the title track.

That’s not to say they don’t get down and shuffle. How could you not get down with Bernard Purdie, Duke Robillard and Houston Person in tow? Purdie’s as pretty as ever–he kicks the band through the changes and knocks a huge hole in it in the process (will he never quit?). And it goes without saying that Robillard and Person deliver according to their respective legendary statures.

The recording is very fine. Very crisp, very tart and very dynamic. The kind that makes your face scrunch up when the guitar bends into a blue note or the organ slides into home. And slide it does. Forget the solo chops. Tony Z can cut it with the best of them, but those years on the road have whittled his comping sensibilities to a razor edge. He can chop offbeats and swirl shimmering backing textures behind a soloist like nobody’s business. ~Jason Staczek

Tony Zamagni - Hammond B-3 organ and vocals; Duke Robillard - Guitar; Bernard Purdie - Drums; Houston Person - Saxophone; Johnny B. Gayden - Bass; Sugar Blue - Harmonica on "Roger Pace."

Get Down With The Blues

Friday, November 22, 2013

Duke Robillard - Swing

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:02
Size: 132.8 MB
Styles: Swing/blues
Year: 1988
Art: Front

[4:34] 1. Cadillac Slim
[4:21] 2. Jumpin' Blues
[3:33] 3. I'll Always Be In Love With You
[4:06] 4. Jim Jam
[8:02] 5. What's Your Story, Morning Glory
[3:10] 6. Zot
[5:40] 7. Exactly Like You
[3:13] 8. Stitt's Bitts
[5:43] 9. Shufflin' With Some Barbeque
[4:47] 10. Durn Tootin'
[2:54] 11. You'd Better Change Your Ways
[7:53] 12. Glide On

While he makes his fame and fortune cutting blues-rock, guitarist Duke Robillard periodically issues albums of stylish, restrained, subtly swinging jazzy material. This date includes guest appearances from swing-influenced contemporary instrumentalists such as tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton and guitarist Chris Flory, who teams with Robillard on "Glide On" for some excellent twin guitar fireworks. Otherwise, it's Jim Kelly who matches licks with Robillard on "Jim Jam" and "What's Your Story, Morning Glory." It's relaxed, elegant music, with just enough grit to keep things interesting. ~ Ron Wynn

Duke Robillard (vocals, guitar); Jim Kelly, Chris Flory (guitar); Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Mike LeDonne (piano, organ); Phil Flanigan (bass); Chuck Riggs (drums).