You never forget the first time you see the Duke And The King. For me, it was at a half-full Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth during 2009. Aware that they were from the Catskill Mountains and that they were on Loose Records, noted for its Americana leanings, I thought I pretty much knew what to expect. Sure enough, the show started with what for a moment appeared to be regulation singer-songwriter fare from Simone Felice, ultra-cool in a Mark Lanegan kind of way. But within minutes, you’re confused, thrilled and entranced, as the other elements of the band come into play: Daring, discordant guitar from Robert ‘Bird’ Burke, Simi Stone’s gorgeous violin, and – the real killer – drummer Nowell Haskins‘ soaring, soulful vocals. When people asked me afterwards what they were like, all I could think of was “a cross between Neil Young and Marvin Gaye”. It’s inadequate but it gives you the idea.
Flash forward to now, and it’s been an amazing year for the band. Their album “Long Live The Duke And The King” featured in numerous 2010 “Best-Of” lists and Simone Felice (previously drummer of the Felice Brothers) has added solo stardom to his achievements. Following unexpected major heart surgery, he has completed two sold-out solo UK tours, been signed by a major and has become renowned for his extraordinary charisma and ability to captivate audiences. At Truck, this curious band of rebels (named after the traveling Shakespeare hustlers in ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’,) are bound to be a highlight because they specialize in killer choruses and audience singalongs. They’re pretty well bound to do their cover of Neil Young’s “Helpless” and it will be a massive “Truck Moment”. Can’t wait!
Words by Oliver Gray
