Duke Robillard Duke Robillard's World Of Blues (2-CD)

This 2-CD set's a showcase for Duke, the blues scholar. Frustrated by people's narrow view of the blues, Duke wanted to display the varieties of the blues, from 'downhome Chicago style to jump and swing'. Many originals, and covers ranging from T-Bone Walker and Memphis Slim to Eric Bibb and Tom Waits. A nice try, charming and competent. But Duke missed the grade. His collection ain't more than a rough overview on popular styles and variations. I would have appreciated the rougher and rather obscure sides of the blues. Also, I would have loved to learn more about his influences (Billy Butler being a great example).