Chris Duarte

Shortly after the release of Texas Sugar/Strat Magik in 1994, I was mesmerized by the tone and riffs of Chris Duarte and knew if he toured I would go see him live. In 1995 he came to Dayton, Ohio. I was not disappointed. He captivated the crowd with his playing and endless energy. Fast forward 18 years to 2013, Orlando, FL. Just like a fine bottle of wine that gets better with age, Chris Duarte fronting his current three piece ensemble, improved with the passing of time. I really expected to see a Duarte older, wiser, but a few steps slower . . .He was older and wiser (quoting Shakespeare during the sound check), but his energy level and expertise on the guitar had not diminished one iota! He delivered two sets (two hours) of blistering blues that quite honestly was the finest I have listened to for quite a while. His catalog of songs is much more diverse, although he borrows heavily off the aforementioned first release. Besides his greats like Big- legged Woman and My Way Down, the highlight of the night was: One More Cup of Coffee from the Romp recording. The Nikon came with me and I attempted to capture the explosive energy digitally. I look forward to the next time I see the Chris Duarte Group, hopefully it will not take as many years.

Jimmy Thackery

No doubt about it. Jimmy Thackery is indeed a sensational guitarist .  His Studio recordings are always clean and his guitar tone seems larger than life, however the studio does not do the man justice. Live is the best option to see Mr. Thackery. Then and only then you receive the full frontal ax- attack of this journeyman of the blues. Thackery wan an integral part of the Washington DC Band; The Nighthawks, and helped put them on the map before going solo in 1986. The three piece power blues trio forming Thackery and the Drivers won international acclaim and continues to tour today. In 1993 I caught them in Cincinnati at a place called Jefferson Hall. A memorable show happened. One for the books. Just happened to take the trusty Nikon to record the event.

Pick Six

Every once in a blue moon I like to think about recordings that I never seem to tire of. Perhaps you have a few that come under that category. Of late I have been giving a serious listen to Chuck Berry and now view him as a major contributor of the blues. His recording pictured here proves that without a shadow of doubt. Of course, Buddy Guy's Slippin' In is a Chicago classic. Murali Coryell's 2120 has some blues standard's that pay homage to the originals. Eric Clapton has always been steeped in the blues, but really hit the mark with; From The Cradle. I rate Chris Duarte's debut release; Texas Sugar up there with the rest if guitar riffs and great tone is music to your ears. The Stax 50th Anniversary collection has some keepers in it: Lots of Sam & Dave, Booker T & the MG's and Otis Redding.

Eric Culberson Blues Band

For twenty years Eric Culberson has paid his dues playing the blues. He and his three piece band has probably played every roadhouse in the south. Time passes and before you know it, you start making a name for yourself. People have always noticed locally, ( in Savannah Ga) and then all of a sudden nationally they begin paying attention to your distinctive sound, the tenacity and drive you display and the recordings you release. So it was with anticipation I ventured out to BB Kings Blues club here in Orlando, FL to hear what others were talking about. Right from the get go I loved the tone of the Les Paul he played that night, primarily due to the expertise of the finger picking Eric has perfected. The choice of songs was exceptional. Eric's renditions of various blues standards was very tasteful. Therefore, I highly recommend the up and coming Eric Culberson Blues Band, and look forward to their popularity soaring! Put it in the bank.