Duke Robillard - EXALTED LOVER - [CD]

Duke Robillard's won a reputation as one of finest guitarists in blues, but this disc also displays his command of rock 'n' roll, country, and jazz balladry. The latter drives his duet with country star Pam Tillis, "I'll Never Be Free," which plays off their easy vocal interplay, Robillard's classic picking, and his band's swinging drive. It's also a pleasure to hear him singing and slinging guitars with blueswoman Debbie Davies on the chugging shuffle "How Long Has It Been." But the best moments may be Robillard's incendiary solos, like when he uncorks his Stratocaster in the middle of "Deep Inside," matching his lyrics' cry of aching devotion with a hailstorm of quivering bent notes and brightly snapped strings in sharp, stinging phrases. Duke Robillard’s won a reputation as one of finest guitarists in blues, but this disc also displays his command of rock ‘n’ roll, country, and jazz balladry. The latter drives his duet with country star Pam Tillis, "I’ll Never Be Free," which plays off their easy vocal interplay, Robillard’s classic picking, and his band’s swinging drive. It’s also a pleasure to hear him singing and slinging guitars with blueswoman Debbie Davies on the chugging shuffle "How Long Has It Been." But the best moments may be Robillard’s incendiary solos, like when he uncorks his Stratocaster in the middle of "Deep Inside," matching his lyrics’ cry of aching devotion with a hailstorm of quivering bent notes and brightly snapped strings in sharp, stinging phrases. Three songs later he’s playing in a twang and tremolo style like a Texas roadhouse veteran. In any context, what comes from Robillard’s nimble fingers and open mind is the sound of a master at work. --Ted Drozdowski