Blues Bash!
Stony Plain, 2020
8/10
Duke Robillard has had impressive 5 decade career that has included playing jazz, jump, swing, ballads, and, of course, the blues, which is exactly where this installment of his timeless song craft lands, as an all-star cast and plenty of guests are in attendance.
“Do You Mean It” starts the album on a very high note, where Chris Cote’s soulful vocals align with jumpy keys and frisky percussion as Robillard’s guitar prowess impresses, and “No Time” follows with bluesy harmonica from Mark Hummel as Robert Welch’s piano acrobatics highlight the swampy blues fun.
Halfway through, “Rock Alley” will get your body moving with its dense grooves and playful rhythm, while Michelle WIllson contributes her soaring, sturdy pipes to the highly melodic “You Played On My Piano”. “You Don’t Know What You’re Doin”, one of the album’s best, then brings Cote back to the swift display of intricate blues in an immediately memorable climate.
The last 2 songs keep the songwriting strong, including the powerful “Give Me All The Love You Got”, and the 10 minute closer, “Just Chillin’”, where the saxophone presence is appreciated amid Bruce Bears’ meticulous organ as jazz ideas enter the slow burning finish.
Robillard has stated that this record is ‘nothing fancy, just the good old blues’, which might be true, but when you bring in two horn sections, two guest vocalists, and plenty of spirited solos, it makes Blues Bash! the quintessential blues party album.
Travels well with: Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters- Rise Up; Kid Ramos & Bob Corritore- Phoenix Blues Sessions