CHRIS DUARTE TAKES HIS SIGNATURE STYLE ON THE ROAD IN SUPPORT OF HIS LATEST ALBUM “BLUE VELOCITY”

Chris Duarte Storms Back Stateside, Tearing the Doors off Venues From Florida to California and Leaving the Country Swimming in a Sea of Blues.

February 13, 2008 (Austin, TX) – Atlanta-based blues guitarist/bandleader Chris Duarte will be performing throughout the country from February 14^th to the end of March for his 2008 U.S, tour. The stateside dates begin upon his return from Russia, where he was rocking the Moscow Performing Arts Center earlier this month, and end with Chris’ return to Europe in April.

Duarte will be touring non-stop throughout the US and Europe in support of his latest CD release “Blue Velocity” (Shrapnel/ Blues Bureau International Records) which was recorded last April at Sun Prairie Studios in Cotati, California. Produced by Shrapnel Records Founder and Hard Rock impresario Mike Varney (Yngwie Malmsteen, Richie Kotzen, Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker) “Blue Velocity” marks Chris Duarte’s fifth album release. This album was the swan song for band members Dustin Sargent (bass) and Damien Lewis (drums) who left the group shortly after this album was recorded.

Like Duarte’s previous effort “Romp”, his most recent 11 track endeavor showcases his eclectic taste in music and desire to incorporate multi-cultural influences, many of which are derived from Duarte’s real life experiences throughout his career. His recent tour with famed Japanese blues artists Bluestone Co. left an indelible mark on Duarte, who welcomed writing contributions from the band’s Toshihiro Sumitomo and Monji Kadowaki on two of the tracks “Out in the Rain” and “I’ll Never Know”. These bluesy rock numbers, while adding a unique flavor, manage to blend seamlessly into the record and add the perfect complement to Duarte’s original tracks.

“Blue Velocity” debuted to cheers from critics and radio alike, receiving rave reviews in Hittin’ That Note Magazine and Blues Revue, as well as charting on XM’s Bluesville and being featured on the nationally syndicated Blues Wax. As an appropriate follow-up, Duarte busts out of the gate hitting the road fast with furious nightly performances nightly across the Southeastern U.S., before heading off to a prestigious appearance in Russia. After that, he’s back to the States with shows across Florida and westward through Texas, Arizona, Utah, Californaia, and beyond.

One thing is for certain, whichever the city, no matter the venue, and whatever the season, Chris Duarte live is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Chris Duarte leaves his own calling card with a fulsome tone, lightning licks, and intense grooves wrapped in a familiar Texas rock blues style.

-Pete Feenstra on the website "Get Ready to ROCK!"

… if you like your blues-rock loud and heavy but still staying on the blues side of the equation, this CD is for you.

-Norman Darwen, Blues Art Journal

Blue Velocity, Duarte's first release since 2003's Romp, is where it all comes together. With Dustin Sargent on bass and Damien Lewis pounding drums, Duarte emerges here as more of a total artist than in the past — the guitar brilliance serves the songs, rather than the other way around.

-Jeff Tamarkin, AllMusic.com

2008 “Blue Velocity” Tour

MARCH

1 Eureka Springs, AR All New Chris Duarte Weekend

2 Tulsa, OK Exit 6C

5 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room

6 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Casino

7 San Clement, CA OC Tavern

8 San Diego, CA Humphrey’s

9 Malibou, CA Malibou Inn

11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits n’ Blues

13 Crystal Bay, NV Crystal Bay Casino

14 Bakersfield, CA Doubletree

18 Salt Lake City, UT Sun & Moon Café

19 Jackson Hole, WY Mangy Moose

20 Denver, CO Quixote’s

21 Lyons, CO Oskar Blues

22 Rollinsville, CO Stage Stop

APRIL

1-27 European Dates Specific dates TBA

MAY

3 Carrboro, NC Carrboro Arts Center

August

22 Thief River Falls, MN Seven Clans Casino

All dates are Chris Duarte Group unless specified.

An * denotes that Chris will be backed by Japanese Band “Bluestone.”

* Billed as Chris Duarte & Bluestone