Blues Rock is as Texas as Apple Pie is America.
Thus, check out Chris Duarte's new release, "ROMP."
Chris is a dynamo, on stage and off; a bundle of energy nothing can contain. With Strat in hand, he epitomizes what Texas rockin' blues is all about. He had some minor radio play with "My Way Down" from "Texas Sugar/Strat Magic," a highly recommended pick-up. Not nearly as much radio time as he deserved, but what else is new?
On his new record, the powerful opening title track gets your head thumping in a sexy, driving call to the romp.
The second track, 101, is special. And I mean that. I am lobbying for royalties when this becomes a standard in the tv/motion picture industry. It features an uptempo riff for the ages. 101 is absolutely infectious.
"ROMP" is solid most of the way through.
The exception would be, "Like Eric," Chris' take on Eric Johnson. It is interesting insofar as fans of both Chris Duarte and Eric Johnson might dwell upon it, but it probably should have been saved for a special fan's disc. It is, of course, derivative, and not particularly compelling.
Otherwise, this is an extremely well made CD. "Last Night" is a cool, if not overlong reverie, and "One More Cup" is one more reminder why Dylan is one of our true national treasures.
Chris' voice does not quite live up to the tradition of Stevie Ray, and is probably why he's not quite the household name he might - should - be.
Still, Chris Duarte is Texas blues at its core and an underappreciated treasure.
-- The Grouch
