Chris Duarte Group

Firebrand blues guitarist Chris Duarte dropped his sophomore album, Texas Sugar Strat Magik, in 1994, and it sold an excess of 100,000 units. It was a big success for a modern blues album. Duarte went onto win the highly coveted “Best New Talent” in Guitar Player’s Reader’s Poll, and he finished fourth in the magazine’s “Best Blues Guitarist” category, behind legends Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and B.B. King. He would go on to issue a string of critically-acclaimed blues, blues-rock albums, and experimental fusion-tinged albums. In the ensuing years, Duarte would also maintain an in-demand touring schedule both as a solo artist and as a sideman.

Throughout it all, fans have hungered for the ferocious blues stylist to dig into some Texas blues with hisown unmistakable magic. Forhis 15th album, his first since 2014, he does just that: The

Austin, Texas bluesguitar slinger teems up with Texas Sugar Strat Magik producer-guitarist

Dennis Herring for the first time ni 2 years. The resulting album, the gritty and sexy Ain’t Giving Up, out September 2022 on Mascot Records, isn’t a calculated return to roots affair, though. Recorded live on the studio floor with vintage gear and with minimal overdubs, this is a raw and revved-up showcase for the blues virtuoso’s jaw-dropping chops; his mastery of the elusive Texas shuffle; and his deep love and commitment to the blues.

“I planted my flag with Strat Magik, and on this album Iam pushing the music forward. I’ve explored lots of different facets of my playing, but this album says, ‘I’m here, and I’m not giving up on blues or my career,”‘ Duarte says. He continues: “And I’m not playing it safe, either-the solos were all tracked live.”

Duarte has been known for his physical and athletic playing style – h e often plays so hard his fingers bleed while he’s onstage (there are photos to prove this legend). Because of this fiery dedication, many fans and critics have playfully referred to hismusic as “punk blues” or “rockin’ blues.” “My stvle is super aggressive and physical,” Duarte affirms. “These days I’m a bit older, but Istill put as much heart into my playing as Iever did- I still love playing.”

The guitarist, singer, and songwriter came up as a force to be reckoned with in the 1990s

Austin, Texas roots and blues scene. He rose to prominence in the wake of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s passing, and was noted for his muscular playing style; his jazz and rock n’ roll-infused

blues solos; and his command of the Texas blues tradition. Because of these soulfully virtuosic

qualities, Duarte was often compared to the beloved modern blues icon, RV. “I wish Iwas the

whiz people think Iam,” he says with agood-natured laugh. “Whatever skills Ihave, have taken

years to gain-I practice a lot.” He continues: “I still want to be great and make my mark. I

listen to SRV, Jimmie Vaughan, and others, and Ialways get inspired to carry on the Texas blues tradition.”

Since those early days, Duarte has carved his own niche through a series of beloved blues- flavored albums, and a calendar of more than 150 dates ayear which includes performances billed as Chris Duarte and as The Chris Duarte Group. In both of these contexts, Duarte has headlined major festivals and clubs throughout the US, Canada, and Europe.