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Elly Roberts reviews
Duke Special: Song From The Deep Forest – Special Edition LP
Distributed by
V2 Records
- October 2007
- Rating: 10/10
Re-issue of 2006's release, now with bonus disc of a live show recorded in Belfast.
Northen Ireland’s very own dreadlocked Peter Wilson aka Duke Special
get a second chance to boost this excellent offering. Lead off single Freewheel
had airplay on BBC Radio 2, and he was also featured sometime ago on Later... with Jools Holland.
This alternative musician, with a hobo-chic look, has a solid musical pedigree.
He and his two sisters were taught piano by their piano teacher grandmother, singing
traditional Irish songs in churches and comunity centres. It took time to get
recognition after stints in bands 65dBA (later dBA), The Booley House, then adopting
Booley as a solo artist.
In 2002 he became Duke Special, building a formidable following on the live
circuit, to the extent he supported Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, The Beautiful
South and The Divine Comedy.
Musically he delivers a very credible and diverse repertoire that’s simply dazzling,
and for a change, has become one of the few artists performing from the piano,
using his prowess to bring warm and romantic melodies.
There’s agrand opening on Wake Up Scarlett a la Rufus Wainwright, which
he also sounds like vocally. Big strings and gentle ivory tinkling are messed
by the crescendos.
Radio-friendly pop songs such as jaunty Last Night I Nearly Died possess
a touch of Vaudeville, whereas Slip Of A Girl has a ring of early ‘80s
Billy Joel, sounding a deadringer for Joel himself. The mood changes for Something
Might Happen, a power ballad that brings back his fondness for Vaudeville stylings.
Jewel in the crown has to be the beautiful ballad No Cover Up that has
plenty of swirling orchestration on the emotional high points. CD 1 has the
new single Our Love Goes Deeper Than This.
On the live CD, he runs riot with musical ambitions, starting with the pomp
and ceremony of Overture: a great way to open a gig. Then it’s down to
business on a classical tinged Brixton Leaves. Right from the off, he’s on top
of his game with a reassuring vocal delivery leading the sparkling orchestra
on a musical theatre piece.
Of the many delights, a moving version Ballad Of
A Broken Man turns out the tops. His singing and piano playing is sublime,
again backed by a superb orchestra that bring the beauty to life.
The full list of tracks included are :
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Disc 1:
1. Wake Up Scarlett
2. Everybody Wants A Little Something
3. Brixton Leaves
4. Our Love Goes Deeper Than This
5. Freewheel
6. No Cover Up
7. Portrait
8. Last Night I Nearly Died
9. Ballad Of A Broken Man
10. Salvation Tambourine
11. Something Might Happen
12. Slip Of A Girl
13. This Could Be My Last Day
Disc 2:
2. Tracks – from CD 1: 3, 2, 10, 7, 1, 6, 5, plus
Overture
Regarding The Moonlight In Eastbourne
I Let You Down.
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2008.
For prints of any of Elly's concert pics online,
email Elly
or call 07765 862017.
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