Former Roomful sideman Duke Robillard swings and shuffles in that same great jump blues tradition on the aptly-titled Stretching Out Live (Stony Plain 1250; 61:06). Recorded in 1995 during a tour with blues legend Jimmy Witherspoon, this one consists of the opening set at Richard’s On Richard in Vancouver, British Columbia before they brought Spoon to the stage. Lots of inspired blowing by Robillard and saxophonist Gordon Beadle on tried and true numbers like Jimmy Liggins’ slow blues, “Never Let You Go,” Albert Collins’ “Dyin’ Flu” and T-Bone Walker’s swinging “Don’t Leave Me Baby” as well as Duke originals like “Too Hot To Handle” and “Tell Me Why.” Duke really rips it up on Chic Willis’ “That’s My Life” and he tells a story on the slow confessional blues “Gee I Wish.” A vibrant document.
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