Cuff The Duke

It has been five years since I last saw Cuff The Duke wow a grateful crowd. I was living in Barrie at the time and the band had just released their second album and what I will call their first major, self-titled release. From the opening harmonica of The Future Hangs to the classic country influenced Take My Money and Run, the group's distinct and attractive sound had captured the attention of many. Since that night at the Foundation Night Club so many years ago, Duke has released two more albums, Sidelines of the City and most recently Way Down Here, and in those five years and three albums, they have certainly done well to grow their sound, their image and their writing, all the while preserving what had made them stand out so well.

Now, before I go too much further into the details of The Duke's performance, I feel it pertinent to once again throw mention to the opening act, The Rival Boys. I wont delve into them right at this moment, but I feel strongly that they deserve an entry and recognition all their own; they impressed me as no opening band has done in recent memory, and based on feedback from the audience, I wasn't nearly alone on that. So stay tuned shortly for a review of their performance.

Back to the Duke boys. After so many songs recorded and performed, as a band it becomes slightly more difficult to appeal to all those wants and hits of yesterday, but their were some essential songs I wanted, or rather needed to hear in addition to their new material. This may seem like a bit of a no-brainer to some, but I have been to shows where the artist focuses mainly and solely on their newest release, and while entertaining just the same, it can also be a slight bit of letdown when you want to revisit the memories attributed to a certain favourite track. On this subject, Cuff the Duke played seamlessly to the ears of all listeners, spacing out the new with the old in a perfect harmony. As for the performance itself, I was yet again amazed by their abilities as musicians, and while I don't necessarily believe that any one of them is more or less talented than the comrade next to him, I must pay certain attention the individuals as they appear on stage.

First, singer and guitarist Wayne Petti once again dropped my jaw with the power of his voice. With a range covering the spectrum, he belts out melodies built for a stadium with seemingly little effort. A gentle voice with booming effect, I can think of few other front men capable of touching those graceful notes with such definition as he.

Secondly, Dale Murray, the guitar/pedal steel aficionado who seemed to hide out in the shadows on stage but smack you in the face through the speakers. His abilities on any instrument he picks up are matched only by his talents off the stage, producing and recording full time, earning him nominations for Musician and Producer of the year by the Music Nova Scotia Gala awards.

While both Wayne and Dale bring distinct abilities to the show, I can't go on without mentioning bassist Paul Lowman and percussionist Corey Wood. Both bring to the table what every band needs but don't always deservedly get, and the rhythm of these two feeding off of each other is what really drives this band forward and above in many, many ways.

All of these members together fit in to create a sound that's a little bit country, a little bit folky and a little bit good ol' rock and roll. There are moments through every album which grab your attention, be it a mellow ballad or a stompin' good ho-down, but I believe strongly that their latest release paints a picture of what we can truly call a talented group of musicians. It's always pleasing to us when our favourite bands release something new, but no more so is that true than when they have matured harmoniously as a group and given us something both familiar and new at the same time.

Track for track, Way Down Here is worth every penny you invest into it. Musically it weaves moods with dramatic tension, and lyrically it proves how Wayne's writing still has layered emotion and effectiveness.

"When you're dancin' in your rocking chair, when you're old, will you still want me then?"

Enjoy the music folks

-Phil

Recommended listening

The Ballad of Poor John Henry

If I Live or if I Die

Rockin Chair

Another Day in Purgatory

Surging Revival