Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Insight (feat. Chris Duarte)

#104 in The Need To Know Badass Blues Instrumentals Series is a very special entry in the Texas guitar monster catalog, Chris Duarte. I don't normally ask cats where or what informs their playing because usually I can hear it but I had to ask Chris. His response made me like him and his playing even more, it was Coltrane! As soon as he said it, it made total sense. It explained why I couldn't pin it on BB, Albert, or Freddie or the second holy trinity, Jeff, Jimmy or Jimi and although you can hear SRV, that probably has more to do with them both having Austin roots and drinking the same water, and of course, the Strat. While still a teenager, Chris was lucky enough to get to see Stevie Ray play at the Continental Club, when Stevie was just a local act. I believe the term "burnin'" is not actually hyperbole when used to describe Chris' playing and I believe the evidence is right here in this track. Check it out, then check out his 12 solo records, and then go see him live. Enjoy!

The backing band on this track is Rich Kirch (John Lee Hooker 1984-2001) on rhythm guitar, Deszon Claiborne (Robben Ford) on drums, and myself on bass. The track was recorded at Skunkworks in Capitola, CA. The Grammy-winning and very bearded, Rob Schnapf (Beck, Booker T., Mavis Staples) brings his mad mixing skills. And as almost always, masterful mastering by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering.

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