Nico Duportal & His Rhythm Dudes • Dealing With My Blues LP
Rockin' Blues guitarist and singer Nico Duportal returns with Dealing With My Blues, his fourth album and arguably his finest yet. Following the breakthrough of 2015's Guitar Player, and the impressive Real Rockin' Papa from 2013, Duportal and his Rhythm Dudes had already established themselves as a formidable force in contemporary Rockin' Blues. Here, they take things a step further with a superb collection rooted firmly in the sounds of Black American music from the 1940s and '50s.
Blues, Jive, Swing and early Rhythm & Blues provide the foundations, but the songwriting has developed considerably, giving the album plenty of variety and character. The core line-up of drums, bass, guitar and two saxophones is joined by pianist Olivier Cantrelle, whose Hammond playing adds a smoky, soulful atmosphere to several tracks. From the punchy Don't You See and I Know The Rules through the infectious Juniors Mambo and the atmospheric Soulpatch, there's a rich mixture of styles without ever losing the band's Rockin' identity.
Dealing With My Blues is an impressive showcase for Nico Duportal's guitar, vocals and songwriting, backed by a band that knows exactly how to make this combination of Blues, Jive and early Rhythm & Blues swing. With its infectious rhythms, hot saxes, Hammond touches and plenty of authentic Rockin' energy, this is a major step forward for one of the genre's most accomplished modern performers.
