Duke Tumatoe Albums (11)
'You've Got the Problem!'
Release Date 9/12/2005
Tracks 10
Label Blind Pig
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What The Critics Say
What sets Duke Tumatoe apart from the mob of contemporary guitarists who practice the blues these days is his sense of humor. He usually finds something to chuckle about in the barroom tales he spins, where the pain and misery on display is more often than not self-inflicted and just as often hilariously ironic, at least in Duke's view. Oh, he falls into the trap of tired blues clichés occasionally, which is pretty much endemic in the genre, but then he pops out with a song like "My Baby Is a Nudist" and all is forgiven. At some point when you're down and out you have to laugh to keep from crying, and that's apparently Dr. Tumatoe's philosophy. You've Got the Problem! doesn't break any new ground in this regard, mixing stock blues pieces with goof ball gems like the aforementioned "My Baby Is a Nudist" and the whiskey-drenched title tune, both of which would stand a chance on the country charts if the commercial music industry wasn't so darn divisional. Also worth mentioning here is the mostly acoustic "Mudcat Man" and the closing track, "Moanin' After Blues," which has a wonderful afterhours feel thanks to some jazzy trumpet lines from P.J. Yinger. Elsewhere the album plays by the numbers, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but there are approximately one thousand hard working but creatively challenged guitar slingers out there doing this exact sort of generic blues stuff, so it is a little disappointing when the Duke falls into the same bag. When he unleashes that delightfully wicked wit, though, he rises above the mob and becomes something special. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
'Duke Tumatoe & the Power Trio'
Release Date 9/30/2003
Tracks 14
Label Sweetfinger
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'It's Christmas (Let's Have Sex)'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 10
Label J-Bird
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What The Critics Say
Duke Tumatoe offers his take on the holidays with It's Christmas (Let's Have Sex). Filled with sexually charged takes on popular Christmas traditions, Tumatoe's humor is not for everyone. But those interested in a humorous album for the holidays might enjoy his juvenile comedy songs, just keep it away from children. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
If you're seeking a joyous blast of Chicago blues, you need look no further. This album of energetic party music is the best-sounding album from Duke Tumatoe, thanks to the meticulous production of John Fogerty, who saw them in a bar and decided to produce their major-label debut. In fact, if it wasn't for Fogerty, they probably wouldn't have gotten on a major label; the following album, without Fogerty producing, was back on J-Bird. I Like My Job! crackles with energy from the opening notes of the cheerful "Get Loose." Recording live was a smart move, since the audience response to songs like "If I Hadn't Been High" and "More Love, More Money" makes both vastly better than any studio take. This is doubly true for the salacious "Tie You Up," as seductive a song about bondage play ever written -- at least, up to the point where Tumatoe is raving about using garbanzo beans and croutons as sex toys. This inspired silliness holds from end to end and makes this a must-have album for anyone who likes their blues spiced with more than a dash of humor. ~ Richard Foss, All Music Guide
'Back to Chicago'
Release Date 1/1/1982
Tracks 9
Label Trouserworm Tunes
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