Duke Robillard
If it ain’t got that swing, then it certainly won’t be New York’s very own blues-jazz icon, Duke Robillard. Les Davidson says it’s time to meet a guitar player with groove a-plenty.
bands in the Rhode Island area, whilst also working for Guild Guitars. He co-founded the band, Roomful Of Blues, alongside Al Copley, in 1967 – a partnership that proved to be the catalyst to the success that he has enjoyed in the music business ever since. He has played with Jimmy Witherspoon, Herb Ellis, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Otis Clay and Long John Baldry amongst many others and has been the recipient of many awards, not only as an artist but also as a producer. Duke continues to tour, write, produce and play as a sideman with a full yearly calendar.
The Duke is well known for his particular take on American roots blending elements of jazz, rockabilly and rock and roll into the blues ensuring there’s always a swinging groove. He uses both a pick and fingers in his playing so make every note speak. He also tends to play chord stabs during his solos, which highlights both the chord tones and the chord progression.
ROBILLARD FOUNDED THE GROUP, ROOM FULL OF BLUES, ALONGSIDE AL COPLEY, A PARTNERSHIP THAT WAS A CATALYST TO LONG-TERM SUCCESS