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 his own unmistakable magic. For his 15th album, his first since 2014, he does just that: The Austin, Texas blues guitar slinger teems up with Texas Sugar Strat Magik producer-guitarist Dennis Herring for the first time in 22 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 I am 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 —he 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 his music as “punk blues” or “rockin’ blues.” “My style is super aggressive and physical,” Duarte affirms. “These days I’m a bit older, but I still put as much heart into my playing as I ever 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, SRV. “I wish I was the whiz people think I am,” he says with a good-natured laugh. “Whatever skills I have, have taken years to gain—| practice a lot.” He continues: “I still want to be great and make my mark. I listen to SRV, Jimmie Vaughan, and others, and I always 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 a year 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.

The Jay O’Rourke band consists of five musicians playing their version of Chicago “blues-rock.”
Meet the guys…
Jay O’Rourke (Vocals/Guitar)
Jay played guitar and produced Epic Recording Artists “The Insiders”. That band had a top 10 AOR hit with “Ghost on the Beach”, in the late 1980’s, & released several indie records. He has gone on to produce, or engineer artists such as Warren Zevon, Robbie Fulks, Urge Overkill, Material Issue, and Liz Phair. He has toured the USA – “coast to coast”, as a guitar player, and has been an “in demand” session guitar player.
Ed Breckenfeld (Drums)
Ed has been a force in the Chicago music scene over the past four decades as a band member of The Odd (1980-82), The Insiders (1984-), The Cathy Richardson Band (1997- 2005), and Jim Peterik’s World Stage (2000-). Ed has also taught drums for many years and was a columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine 1999-2010.
Klem Hayes (Bass)
Klem is a bassist from Chicago with an adequate selection of basses. He is privileged to have massively talented friends. He has played with Katharine McPhee, Lisa Loeb and Mindi Abair.
Frank Raven (Harp/Vocals)
Frank Raven is a veteran of legendary Chicago bands Bohemia, Slammin' Watusis, The Blue Watusis, Raven Desmond Songs & the Lucky 3 Blues Band. His critically acclaimed 2018 CD Lucky Cat was produced by Jay ORourke.
Grant Tye (Guitar/Vocals)
Grant Tye has performed with Robbie Fulks, Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship), Bill Kirchen (Commander Cody), Big Al Anderson (NRBQ), Buddy Miller, Otis Clay, Sam Bush and Mavis Staples.