The difference between Christian and T-Bone is their playing over changes. Charlie Christian is more likely to outline the chords by playing these jazzy linear lines that have a shape. You could almost draw a line in the shape of the notes. Where T-Bone is more likely to play a long lazy line or note that cuts through it all and fits over a big portion. Both styles are totally correct.
Some people say that outlining the chords is the more intellectual approach.
But many people like the blues style because they say it s more emotional. Robillard is a virtuoso in both styles. He works around the specifics of every chord and even adds or implies some that might not even be there. From jamming with a vast body of blues and jazz players and from his unlimited listening experiences, Duke plays with both authenticity and knowledge of the vocabulary. Duke shares with Matt Murphy the harmonic sense, the real ability to dig into the chord, continued Beadle.