It’s been more than forty years since Rhode Island native Duke Robillard founded Roomful of Blues, and this fall will bring the guitarist’s 62nd birthday—but when it comes to the blues, age is often a blessing. And while the Hawaiian shirt and smiling face that Robillard bears on Passport To The Blues cover art might lead to some concern that his music has become overly sunny, several of the album’s 13 cuts speak otherwise.
It’s true that there’s a bright, funky edge to a number of Robillard’s songs: the opening “Workin’ Hard for My Uncle” has an upbeat tempo that is accompanied by a lively combination of organ and saxophone, and the drums on the following “Hong Kong Suit” incorporate a liberal quantity of cowbell. “When You’re Old You’re Cold” and “Duke’s Evening Blues” both add a dash of wry, sexigenarian humor to the album. But he also dives back into the origins of his music with “Blues Train”, a classic blues lament if there ever was one. When he covers Tom Waits’ “Make It Rain”, his voice takes on the gravely edge of its original author. The track is also notable for Robillard’s spectacular guitar breaks.
This album is a motley effort, taking both serious and ironic angles on classic blues, all tied together by the energy the singer brings to its music. It’s one-hour playtime may be a bit much, and songs like “Text Me” could easily have been left off to make it more concise, but the variety of approaches used by Duke Robillard ensures that Passport To The Blues has something for everybody.
Conclusion – a cocktail of good-natured humor and classic blues-rock.
Thanks for reviewing Duke’s latest album. Great to see so much positive interest in this project.