Duke Robillard with the Sommers family

Imagine yourself at home about a month ago, and getting a call from your 90 year old father which sounds like this: “Are you home?” Answer ‘Yes.’  You have to turn on Channel 17 right now!” I did, and lo and behold, there was Joe Bonamassa smoking his guitar live at the Beacon Theater. How amazing is it that my parents (mom’s age is a military secret) were mesmerized by the licks laid down by a guitarist who, in my estimation, is top 5 in the world today. Proves the point: blues are for everyone.

Anyway, this past Friday night, we had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Duke Robillard in the cozy setting of the Van Dyck. My wife, Susan, and I saw Duke at Chenango last August. We talked to him there and he asked where we were from. When we told him Albany, New York, he said he plays at the Van Dyck sometimes and really likes the venue. He also said he might go back there. Being skeptical, we doubted that. Well, he was telling the truth! Who else was in the audience? My parents! They absolutely loved it!

Duke Robillard @ the Van Dyck

Duke’s sound was crystal clear, as always. Accompanied by his incredible keyboardist, Bruce Bears, stand-up bassist, Brad Hallen, and his drummer, Mark Teixera (not the post-season disappearing Yankee), all outstanding in their own right. With each member taking turns on solos, Duke played some jazz, the 1986 Cadillac Slim, as well as some serious blues, including the Chicago bluesy “Lookin’ for Trouble,” “ I May Be Ugly, But I Sure Know How to Cook,” and my favorite, “Blue Coat Man,” which is to be featured in his next CD. Can’t wait!

The best news of all, Bruce told me “We’ll be back.” Guess who else will be? Right, my folks!