Blues touches my soul. No other guitarist touches me like Ronnie Earl. Duke Robillard, another great blues artist, is also a master guitarist and producer. To say that these are my two favorite blues guitarists is an understatement as they collectively are responsible for more recordings than any two others. Their bands have had members who've became leaders in their own right. The Duke Meets The Earl is the first collaboration by these two great guitarists and the first time they have recorded together since The Duke guested on Ronnie Earl's Soul Searchin'.

The album begins with "West Side Shuffle". Although the liner notes suggest that Ronnie's guitar is on the left side and Duke's is on the right, at first it's hard to tell them apart on this Duke Robillard composition. T-Bone Walker's "Two Bones & A Pick" is next and the separation and stylistic differences make the two guitars easier to distinguish. This holds true throughout the remainder of the recording.

They slow it down on Big Walter Price's "My Tears". Duke's vocal and the guitar solos by Duke and Ronnie are outstanding. "Lookin For Trouble" is next. Written by Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Reed's guitarist, Duke's vocal once again is featured, while Jimmy McGriff is on organ. "What Have I Done Wrong" next, was written by Samuel Maghett, aka "Magic Sam" who was a major influence on Ronnie.

The first of two original Ronnie Earl compositions "Zeb"s Thing" follows. Ronnie Earl's slide guitar is a revelation. "I Need You So Bad" the "B.B. King" classic follows. Duke's vocal and Jimmy McGriff's Hammond B3 are right on. "A Soul That¹s Been Abused" is the other original by Ronnie Earl, and the vocal is by Mighty Sam McClain. Dave Limina, organ and Rod Carey, bass guest on this track. This is my favorite track on the album as Ronnie weaves one of his earlier melodies into the composition.

The performances are exquisite. The band throughout is anchored by the rhythm section of Mark Teixera drums, and Jessie Williams, bass. Matt McCabe is the featured piano player. They regularly play in The Duke Robillard Band. The album is beautifully produced by Duke Robillard and Holger Petersen.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com

(c)2005 Richard Ludmerer