Chris Duarte Unveils “Ain’t Giving Up,” a Dazzling New Studio Album

Austin, Texas – Chris Duarte, the renowned blues-roots guitarist, has released his 15th studio album, “Ain’t Giving Up,” today via Provogue Records. Produced by the esteemed Dennis Herring, the album features a fascinating mix of outlaw blues, Americana, roots, and alt-country styles, highlighting Duarte’s exceptional guitar skills and love for the blues.

The new album is a unique project, recorded live on the studio floor using vintage gear and minimal overdubs, allowing Duarte’s mastery of the Texas shuffle and his virtuoso abilities to shine through. To mark the release, Duarte has shared a lyric video for the album’s latest single, “Gimme Your Love,” which pays homage to Jimmy Reed with some breezy blues shuffles.

Duarte previously released two songs from the album, “Half As Good As Two” and “Nobody But You.” His sophomore album, “Texas Sugar Strat Magik,” released in 1994, sold over 100,000 units and earned him “Best New Talent” in Guitar Player’s Reader’s Poll.

“Ain’t Giving Up” captures the same spirit as “Texas Sugar,” but also explores a wider spectrum of musicality. Duarte shares, “I love Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, but also feel like it’s part of me to introduce some unexpected influences. For this album, I didn’t feel scared to explore beyond hard-driving blues.”

Having risen to prominence in the 1990s Austin roots and blues scene, Duarte continues to captivate fans with his powerful playing style and mastery of the Texas blues tradition. Reuniting with Herring for “Ain’t Giving Up,” Duarte found the same musical connection that made their previous collaboration a success.

The album’s intimate and gritty sound, combined with Duarte’s passion for the blues and American roots, demonstrates his resilience and unwavering love for music. “I am so grateful to be signed to Provogue and to work with Dennis again—it’s been a dream come true,” Duarte enthuses. “I have been so fortunate to play music and do my thing for almost 30 years, and I couldn’t ask for a better life.”