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“A Swingin’ Session With” Duke Robillard (Stony Plain) ****

This, Duke’s 14th Stony Plain disc, is just what the title implies- a swingin’ good time.

Robillard’s history as guitarist goes back to ’67 when he founded Roomful of Blues and continues up through The Fabulous Thunderbirds, to where he is today. As a session player he can be heard on albums by Bob Dylan, Maria Muldaur, Dr. John and Long John Baldry, and he’s also toured with Tom Waits. Who knew Rhode Island could foster talent like this?

My first encounter with his music was more recent, “Conversations In Swing Guitar” with Herb Ellis just a few years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since. If you’re not familiar with his playing, blues flavored jazz- or is the other way ‘round?- is as good a tag as any,

Like the title says this baby swings, and as talented a player as Duke is, having a sympathetic backing band is crucial to this kind of music. A dozen players are listed in the liner notes under Robillard, names you may not be immediately familiar with but pay attention- these guys are really cooking! And if this is your first Robillard album, you’ll find the liner essay by WBGO’s Bob Porter quite handy.

I’ve loved this kind of music since playing drums in stage band at SHSS as a teenager, but you don’t have to be a musician to dig a nice groove. Duke Robillard proudly ignores trends and fads, playing only what he wants, and what he feels. That kind of integrity, especially today, is a rare thing and should be celebrated. I don’t know what else to say about “A Swingin’ Session” that I haven’t already said in print about his other albums- just listen, and enjoy!

KEY CUTS: “Red Dog”, “They Raided The Joint”, Deed I Do”