Stony Plain Records is thrilled to announce the release of Roll With Me, the latest album from two-time Grammy nominee and four-time Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Duke Robillard. The long-awaited album has finally surfaced after nearly two decades, showcasing Robillard's signature blend of scorching blues and timeless craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the genesis of the album, Robillard shares, “Back in the early 2000s, I started recording a hot new blues album for Stony Plain. After laying down nine tracks, I got caught up in another project, and as life often does, things got busy. Tours, gigs, and more albums followed. But I always knew those tracks were something special, and two decades later, it was time to bring them to light.”
Roll With Me features a dynamic mix of blues and tributes to legendary artists. Robillard honors Texas blues icon Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown with “You Got Money” and the instrumental “Boogie Uproar,” pays homage to Big Joe Turner with a piano-driven take on “Boogie Woogie Country Girl,” and tips his hat to New Orleans’ Fats Domino with the rumba-infused “Are You Going My Way.” The album also includes standout covers of Chicago blues greats like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Eddie Boyd. Robillard’s razor-sharp guitar and commanding vocals drive the album, with Chris Cote stepping in for vocal duties on select tracks.
Duke enlisted an all-star cast of musicians to accompany him on Roll With Me. Pianist Matt McCabe lays down keys on all but two tracks (covered by Bruce Bears), while the rhythm section is held down by bassist Marty Ballou and drummer Mark Teixeira. A powerful horn section featuring Doug James, Rich Lataille, and others elevates the sound, with guest appearances from harmonica virtuoso Sugar Ray Norcia on “Look What You’ve Done.”
Recorded at Duke’s Mood Room in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and Lakewest Recording in West Greenwich, Roll With Me marks Robillard’s final album with Stony Plain Records, a partnership that dates back to 1993. Over the years, Robillard has solidified his legacy with the label through numerous acclaimed albums, including Duke’s Blues (1994), Blue Mood: The Songs of T-Bone Walker (2004), and The Acoustic Blues of Duke Robillard (2015).
“I’m still traveling and playing all over the world, so this is definitely not a farewell record,” says Robillard. “It’s just time to roll with Duke!”
Roll With Me Track Listing:
Bluecoat Man
Just Kiss Me
Are You Going My Way
I Know You Love Me
Boogie Uproar
Look What You Done
Built For Comfort
My Plea
You Got Money
Boogie Woogie Country Girl
Give Me Back My Money
Don’t You Want To Roll With Me
About Duke Robillard:
A native of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Duke Robillard is a living blues legend. With a career spanning more than five decades, he founded Roomful of Blues in 1967, performed with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and has played alongside music legends such as Bob Dylan, John Hammond, and Ruth Brown. Robillard’s mastery of blues, swing, jump blues, and jazz has earned him worldwide recognition, two Grammy nominations, four Blues Music Awards for Best Guitarist, and multiple other accolades.
For more information, visit www.dukerobillard.com and www.stonyplainrecords.com.
