The website of blues artist Robbert Duijf proudly states that he and his band were the winners of the Dutch Blues Challenge 2023, followed by the European Blues Challenge 2024 held in Portugal. What is such a competition for anyway, when it comes to something as honest and pure as the blues? Limburger Duijf should know because he invariably pours his heart and soul into his singing, as can be heard
… on Silver Spoon. He doesn't win one competition after another for nothing! Unhindered by his coal pronunciation (Harry Muskee didn't suffer from that either), Duijf moves in the American folk and gospel blues of the 20th century, with heroes like John Lee Hooker and Charley Patton. The accompaniment is acoustic and rudimentary as Duijf sings his blues from his toes. In a pleasantly loose atmosphere, he is sometimes urged on by his bandmates, including his son and double bassist Rubin. Rural blues from the "deep south" of the Netherlands. (MR)more
