Chris Duarte: Lucky 13 CD Release Party

(Atlanta, GA) – Back in 1994 I had the pleasure of watching up-and-coming Texas blues-rock guitarist Chris Duarte opening for Ted Nugent in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. Duarte had just released his first major release, Texas Sugar/Strat Magik (Silvertone, 1994). The show was part of an outdoor festival and was delayed by pouring rain. When the rain stopped, the stage was soaked. Rather than delay the show any further and to keep things moving, Duarte grabbed his guitar case and stood on it to perform his set. It was an amazing show and I instantly became a fan!

In 1995, Duarte was named Guitar Player‘s fourth best blues guitarist – falling behind Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and B.B. King!

Fast forward to November 2014. Duarte is still going strong and released his 13th album, Lucky 13. Now living in the Atlanta, GA area, Duarte had his official CD release party on November 29 at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta – one of my favourite places to see a band!

As always, Duarte put on a great 90-minute set along with bassist Dustin Sargent and drummer John McKnight.

Here are a few shots I took from the Lucky 13 CD release party: