Duke Robillard - New Blues for Modern Man (1999)

New Blues for Modern Man is certainly an appropriate title for an album from a man who's been a force in contemporary blues for over 30 years. Duke Robillard, a founding member of Roomful of Blues and occasional member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, has managed to keep a solid solo career going amid his blues projects, and this album is no exception. The songs, both originals and covers, are well chosen; the only possible misstep is a cover of "Pony Blues," the arrangement of which sounds a little odd. There's some very strong material here as well, though; "Addiction" and "Good Man" settle into some catchy grooves, "Hurt Me" and "Love Sick" are very well done slow blues, and "You're the Only One" has an engaging Spanish feel. --Genevieve Williams