“The blues is a long standing tradition that was for a decade or two mostly created for, and appreciated by the black American public but the spirit of it's magic caught on with people of all races world wide.”

Duke Robillard:

The Duke of Six Strings of Steel

On June 2024, M.C. Records released Six Strings of Steel by guitar master Duke Robillard. The record represents all his influences including swing, blues, and rock. You’ll hear Link Wray’s “Rumble”, Dylan’s “Watching The River Flow”, Fats Domino’s “I’m Going To Be A Wheel Someday,” and of course several Duke originals. Six Strings of Steel is the second record Duke has recorded with M.C.Records. The first was 2017’s Duke Robillard and His Dame’s of Rhythm. Duke says: “I am really excited about the release of Six Strings of Steel on M.C. Records. It's a look back at many guitar and song styles that have been important to me along my journey in this world of ever-changing tastes and sounds.” Duke is joined by his long-time band mates Mark Teixeira, Bruce Bears, Marty Ballou, and Doug James that helped him create an infectious sound and grooves here, and the most recent band member, vocalist Chris Cote belts out the tunes, no matter what the genre, with style and power. A special guest on the record is Katie Shore of Asleep at The Wheel on Fiddle.

(Duke Robillard / Photo © by David Lee Black)

Duke Robillard has carved out one of the Blues' most illustrious legacies. He founded Roomful Of Blues with pianist Al Copley in 1967. He replaced Jimmie Vaughan in The Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1990. He recorded on Dylan's "Time Out Of Mind" and later toured with him. He also has toured with Tom Waits and Robert Gordon. Duke's prolificity has included producing albums by Joe Louis Walker, Jimmy Witherspoon, Jay McShann, and Otis Clay. Another highlight of Duke's is recording two collaborations with Herb Ellis. Duke's resume is decorated with Grammy nominations, Handy Awards and Blues Music Awards, and other honors for his artistry, recordings, and productions within the United States and internationally.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Archive: Duke Robillard, 2020 interview

Special thanks: Duke Robillard & Mark Carpentieri (M.C. Records)

How has the Blues, Swing and R&B music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

In a big way. The world was a different place when the music I love was developing. Many things are better today because of advancements in medicine and technology but for all that we have gained. A lot has been lost. It's just the way of the world I guess. I prefer things being slower and more meaningful. Everything is fast paced today. It wears me out trying to keep up, but I guess you can't go backwards.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

I have changed dramatically since I was young and learning my craft. The thing that has remained the same about me, as far as music goes I still am most creative when I am inspired by something new to me. Whether it's a song, a style, a genre, a person, a movie or a book. When something gets me excited I get a spark from it and have to create something. Whether it be a song, a painting. Anything creative.

"Art is very important to me, especially painting. I paint a bit myself and love it but my schedule does now allow enough time for it. When I had my first shoulder operation, I couldn't play guitar for a year and a half. I spent all the time teaching myself to paint and painted at least 60 pieces. I still love to paint but I find it hard to make the time." (Duke Robillard / Photo © by Pat Quinn)

Six Strings of Steel: one more release with M.C Records. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any stories about the making of the new album?

I met Mark Carpentieri  many years ago and he expressed interest in recording me if the time was ever right. I was interested in a tradition style jazz album and he had the idea about doing an album of female guests. I thought that was a great idea, so that's how I got started with M.C Records.

What moment changed your music life the most?

I suppose having my first record released with Roomful of Blues was a life changing experience.

What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The highlights of my career have been backing people like Jay McShann, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Turner, Cleanhead Vinson, Muddy Waters, BB King Billy Boy Arnold etc. in many cases I've had the opportunity to produce many of these great artists.

What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

It's important to develop technical skills but it's so much more important to learn how to turn your skill into stories and express emotion though those stories.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

The blues is a long standing tradition that was for a decade or two mostly created for, and appreciated by the black American public but the spirit of it's magic caught on with people of all races world wide. The blues sound and feeling is truly an international feeling that has spawned may other styles of music from jazz to Rockabilly, Country, Rock and Roll and R&B and more.

"In a big way. The world was a different place when the music I love was developing. Many things are better today because of advancements in medicine and technology but for all that we have gained. A lot has been lost. It's just the way of the world I guess. I prefer things being slower and more meaningful. Everything is fast paced today. It wears me out trying to keep up, but I guess you can't go backwards."

(Photo: Duke's abstract paintings. Duke Robillard is a man of many talents. Best known as a master of jazz and blues guitar, Robillard is also an avid photographer and an abstract visual artist)

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Art is very important to me, especially painting. I paint a bit myself and love it but my schedule does now allow enough time for it. When I had my first shoulder operation, I couldn't play guitar for a year and a half. I spent all the time teaching myself to paint and painted at least 60 pieces. I still love to paint but I find it hard to make the time.

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