Song From The Deep Forest - Duke Special Special Edition Album Review

Duke Special

Special Edition Album Review

Re-issue of 2006s 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 ala 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.

Elly Roberts