While I don’t consider Duke Robillard a “blues” artist, his affiliation with Room Full of Blues and the Fabulous Thunderbirds has landed him that genre. I’m not discounting the fact that his finesse of the Gibson has its roots firmly planted in the Chess records catalogue though as he can bend them strings with the best of em and has been greatly influenced by T-bone Walker.  I guess what I’m trying to say is Robbilard defies labels and is a well-rounded guitar slinger who is not afraid to experiment.  Each project he has tackled over the past 30 years has shown an inquisitively gifted musician who enjoys diversity. 

Robillard performs tomorrow night at the Capitol Theater in Olympia.

Robillard formed Roomful in 1967 and stayed with the blues franchise for decade before exiting stage left to pursue other musical endeavors. After grinding his axe with rockabilly singer Robert Gordon as well as the Legendary Blues Band, he set out on his own. Since then Robbilard has released more than 25 albums playing everything from jazz, swing, blues and rock. In June Robillard released World Full of Blues on which he packed two discs with every style he could think of. Covers of Walker, Booker T and Tom Waits are all executed with his signature style. â€" Tony Englehart

[Capitol Theater, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m., all ages, $10-$15, 206 Fifth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.754.6670]

P.S. Bobble Tiki waxes Robillard here.