Austin, TX. (Top40 Charts/ Blues Bureau Int) - Atlanta-based blues guitarist/bandleader Chris Duarte will be performing throughout the country from February 14th to the end of March for his 2008 U.S, tour. The stateside dates begin upon his return from Russia, where he was rocking the Moscow Performing Arts Center earlier this month, and end with Chris' return to
Europe in April.
Duarte will be touring non-stop throughout the US and Europe in support of his latest CD release 'Blue Velocity' (Shrapnel/ Blues Bureau International Records) which was recorded last April at Sun Prairie Studios in Cotati, California. Produced by Shrapnel Records Founder and Hard Rock impresario Mike Varney (Yngwie Malmsteen, Richie Kotzen, Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker) 'Blue Velocity' marks Chris Duarte's fifth album release. This album was the swan song for band members Dustin Sargent (bass) and Damien Lewis (drums) who left the group shortly after this album was recorded.
Like Duarte's previous effort 'Romp', his most recent 11 track endeavor showcases his eclectic taste in music and desire to incorporate multi-cultural influences, many of which are derived from Duarte's real life experiences throughout his career. His recent tour with famed Japanese blues artists Bluestone Co. left an indelible mark on Duarte, who welcomed writing contributions from the band's Toshihiro Sumitomo and Monji Kadowaki on two of the tracks 'Out in the Rain' and 'I'll Never Know'. These bluesy rock numbers, while adding a unique flavor, manage to blend seamlessly into the record and add the perfect complement to Duarte's original tracks.
'Blue Velocity' debuted to cheers from critics and radio alike, receiving rave reviews in Hittin' That Note Magazine and Blues Revue, as well as charting on XM's Bluesville and being featured on the nationally syndicated Blues Wax. As an appropriate follow-up, Duarte busts out of the gate hitting the road fast with furious nightly performances nightly across the Southeastern U.S., before heading off to a prestigious appearance in Russia. After that, he's back to the States with shows across Florida and westward through Texas, Arizona, Utah, Californaia, and beyond.
One thing is for certain, whichever the city, no matter the venue, and whatever the season, Chris Duarte live is an experience you won't soon forget.
Chris Duarte leaves his own calling card with a fulsome tone, lightning licks, and intense grooves wrapped in a familiar Texas rock blues style.
-Pete Feenstra on the website "Get Ready to ROCK!"
… if you like your blues-rock loud and heavy but still staying on the blues side of the equation, this CD is for you.
-Norman Darwen, Blues Art Journal
Blue Velocity, Duarte's first release since 2003's Romp, is where it all comes together. With Dustin Sargent on bass and Damien Lewis pounding drums, Duarte emerges here as more of a total artist than in the past - the guitar brilliance serves the songs, rather than the other way around.
-Jeff Tamarkin, AllMusic.com
2008 'Blue Velocity' Tour
JANUARY
24 Maryville, TN Brackins
25 Charlotte, NC Double Door Inn
26 Marietta, GA Darwin's
FEBRUARY
10 Moscow, Russia Moscow Performing Arts Center
14 Bradenton, FL Ace's
15 Jacksonville, FL Mojo's Kitchen
16 Boca Raton, FL The Backroom
17 Sebastian, FL Earl's Hideaway
22 Houston, TX The Meridian w/ Eric Sardinas
23 Ft Worth, TX J&J's Blues Bar
24 Abilene, TX Crossroads
26 Austin, TX The Dirty Dog
27 San Antonio, TX Rolling Hills
28 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre
29 Eureka Springs, AR All New Chris Duarte Weekend
MARCH
1 Eureka Springs, AR All New Chris Duarte Weekend
2 Tulsa, OK Exit 6C
5 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room
6 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Casino
7 San Clement, CA OC Tavern
8 San Diego, CA Humphrey's
9 Malibou, CA Malibou Inn
11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits n' Blues
13 Crystal Bay, NV Crystal Bay Casino
14 Bakersfield, CA Doubletree
18 Salt Lake City, UT Sun & Moon Cafe
19 Jackson Hole, WY Mangy Moose
20 Denver, CO Quixote's
21 Lyons, CO Oskar Blues
22 Rollinsville, CO Stage Stop
APRIL
1-27 European Dates Specific dates TBA
MAY
3 Carrboro, NC Carrboro Arts Center
August
22 Thief River Falls, MN Seven Clans Casino
All dates are Chris Duarte Group unless specified.
An * denotes that Chris will be backed by Japanese Band 'Bluestone.'
* Billed as Chris Duarte & Bluestone
