Album: Duke Special - The Stage, A Book and the Silver Screen

Feb 25

Album: Duke Special - The Stage, A Book and the Silver Screen

Northerner Duke Special recently played three gigs to celebrate the release of his new three CD box set The Stage, A Book and the Silver Screen. Three discs, I hear you say, perhaps a bit excessive? Yes there is a lot of quantity here, but thankfully the quality has not been compromised.

Also known as Peter Wilson, this charitable Northerner has proved himself to be an artist with a conscience. Duke Special is involved with Pledge Music, an organisation which allows fans and musicians to work together to raise capital for the artist while also raising funds for charities. Pledge is using the power of social media to revolutionise the experience of fledgling musicians out there. He's offering three intimate gigs in Dublin, Belfast and London as incentives to those who have pledged to support him. In this way, he is also raising money for the Depaul Charity which offers positive opportunities to homeless and disadvantaged people.

And so to the music. The first disc contains studio versions of the songs from the recent production of anti-war play Mother Courage and Her Children at the National Theatre. There’s a classical feel to this disc with strong instrumentals and dramatic swells. Duke’s distinctive voice brings this play to life and will surely please his many fans. Disc Two is an E.P called Huckleberry Finn – five songs which comprise an unfinished musical by Kurt Weil based on the novel by Mark Twain. The idea of listening to the story of Huck Finn through that voice to me, but perhaps not to all. The third is a collection of songs inspired by Paul Auster’s Novel ‘The Book of Illusions’, entitled The Silent World of Hector Mann. This is comprised of 12 songs written by Special and some friends.

Duke Special is famous for his elaborate and eccentric performances and these songs do not disappoint. The instruments used on the tracks include the harmonium and the trumpet along with quirkier ones like egg whisks and cheese graters.

In short, here are three entirely different collections of music. They are an unusual mix, but somehow, they work. So where do you feel like going today? How about war torn Europe in the 1600’s? The banks of the Mississippi in 1835? Maybe you’d prefer a silent comedy in 1980’s New Mexico? The romantic voice of Duke will take you on 3 unique journeys, depending on your mood. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Label: Reel To Reel

Released: out now

Written by :

Aoife Doyle

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