This month Andy GJones is examining the improvisational style of a Fabulous Thunderbird who’s itching to bring you a Roomful Of Blues.

Duke Robillard playing a Gibson ES-295 ‘Scotty Moore’ archtop

Born in Rhode Island, Duke Robillard is widely regarded as American blues royalty. Duke was a founder of the band Roomful Of Blues which remains a mainstay of the roots scene in the US.

Duke is an encyclopaedia of guitar styles, from his grasp of T-Bone Walker’s approach to his command of swinging blues and even to straight-ahead jazz, having recorded with the great Scott Hamilton. His command of blues language is exemplary and you’ll learn a lot from studying his style.

It’s notable that Duke also replaced the great Jimmie Vaughan in The Fabulous Thunderbirds. His integration of the language of the Texas blues style is worth extended listening. Duke has also toured with Tom Waits and recorded and toured with folk-rock legend Bob Dylan.