From: tmcalice@perdido.webo.dg.com (Tim McAlice)
Subject: Re: Duke Robillard/Roomful of Blues
Date: 28 Aug 92 12:32:38
Distribution: rec
Organization: NSDD, Data General Corp., Westboro, MA

 
 ***
 Regarding Re: Duke Robillard/Roomful of Blues;
 labiche@crchh561.BNR.CA (Maurice LaBiche) writes:

 Maurice> In article <5162@blue.cis.pitt.edu.UUCP>, ctomer+@pitt.edu
 Maurice> (Chris Tomer) writes:

 Chris> I'm interested in the music of guitarist Duke Robillard. Any
 Chris> opinions about his recordings?
 Chris>
 Chris> I'm also interested in getting opinions about the recordings
 Chris> of Roomful of Blues.
 Chris> Any information would be appreciated.

 Maurice> Go right now to the nearest music store and buy a copy of
 Maurice> Duke Robillard's 'Swing' album.  It won a grammy the year it
 Maurice> was released.  It is an excellent album.  His other albums
 Maurice> are good as well but lean more towards 'rock' than
 Maurice> jazz/blues.  I think Duke only was with Roomful of Blues for
 Maurice> one or two albums.  I could be wrong

Duke Robillard:

w/ The Pleasure Kings: Duke Robillard and the Pleasure Kings (lp)
                       Too Hot To Handle (lp)

                       There is also a CD which contains both of
                       these albums, whose name escapes me at the
                       moment (something with "Rock" in the title).

                       Duke with the Pleasure Kings is Rock/Blues
                       in the same vein as Jeff Healy, Robert Cray,
                       T-Bone Walker, Chuck Berry.  Both albums
                       (or the CD) are highly recommended.

w/ Roomful of Blues:   Roomful of Blues - The First Album

                       If you're familiar with Roomful's sound,
                       this may be their best album.  Excellent
                       versions of "Stormy Monday", "Texas Flood",
                       and several originals.  Less rock-flavored
                       than Duke's work with The Pleasure Kings.

w/ Fabulous Thunderbirds:
                       Walk That Walk, Talk That Talk

                       If you're familiar with the T-Bird's sound,
                       replace Jimmy Vaughan with Duke Robillard,
                       and you get something very similar, but a
                       little tastier (in my opinion).  Listen for
                       Duke on those backing vocals - it makes me
                       wonder why the T-bird's need Robin Wilson
                       anymore (oh yeah, because it's his band, and
                       he plays a mean harp - not to mention that
                       he has great taste in band mates - three
                       Roomful Alumnii now!).

also by Duke Robillard:

                       Swing

                       Duke's jazz album.  Excellent playing, see
                       Maurice's comments.

                       Let Me Rock You (w/ Susanne Forrest)

                       (something tells me that I'm not remembering
                       the name of this CD correctly).  Duke returns
                       to the Rock/Blues 'thang.  Not as good as his
                       works with The Pleasure Kings - but good
                       none the less.

		       After Hours Swing Session

                       Duke's other jazz album, although not as
                       jazzy as Swing - this one dabbles in a few
                       styles and jumps between jazz and slow blues
                       a bit.


I'd highly recommend the first CD (the one which contains his first
two albums with The Pleasure Kings), and Swing to start with.  But
once you've heard them, be prepared to shell out the dough for the
rest of them!
		      
As for Roomful of Blues without Duke Robillard, perhaps someone else
more familiar with them could provide a rundown.
--
Tim McAlice                                   internet: tim_mcalice@dg.com
                                                   CEO: Tim McAlice:DGC
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