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Jean M. Kutzke Review

Just got my copy of The Duke Meets the Earl by Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl (SPCD 1303 Stony Plain Records). What a CD. Both play w/ such emotion and feeling it just grabs ya and moves ya. I've been a big fan of both artists for a long time and feel this CD they've done together is by far one of the best Blues CDs I've ever purchased. The sound is great and the songs are arranged and laid out well. They hand things back and forth quite well, and change gears mid-song seamlessly i.e. Two Bones and a Pick. Robillard strikes again with his soulful vocals on My Tears. Mr. Earl's playing is awesome. He's always had a way w/ instrumentals, but these songs take the cake. It's definitely a classic by two virtuosos. A must for blues fans.

Can't have a CD w/out backing musicians. Duke and Ronnie are accompanied on this CD primarily by Duke's band consisting of Mark Teixeira on drums, Matt McCabe on Piano, and Jesse Williams on bass. However, there are appearances by two other musicians. Those being Jimmy McGriff on Hammond B3 for a few songs and Mighty Sam McClain for vocals on A Soul That's Been Abused both stellar musicians in their own right. To round out the lineup you've got Rod Carey on bass and Dave Limina on Hammond B3 as well. Be sure to give it a listen.

Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl The Duke Meets the Earl Stony Plain Records www.stonyplainrecords.com/Web 11 tracks/40:40

Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl
The Duke Meets the Earl

Stony Plain Records
www.stonyplainrecords.com/Web
11 tracks/40:40