Duke Robillard Band

No one can accuse Duke Robillard of resting on his laurels. For nearly 40 years, the legendary guitarist has been moving from band to band, slowing down just long enough to cement a group’s place in history and pick up an armful of awards before continuing on his merry way. As a founding member of Roomful of Blues and later as a guitarist for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robillard rewrote the definition for guitar blues with his smoldering mix of roots-rock and Americana. Now, as the lead player in the aptly titled Duke Robillard Band, he’s exploring the deeper, darker catacombs of jazz-blues fusion. In the process, he’s been named International Guitarist of the Year by the French Blues Association and was given the prestigious W.C. Handy Guitarist of the Year award in both 2000 and 2001. Call him an innovator, call him a legend, just don’t call him at home — any guy who’s this busy probably won’t be there.