Union Duke Brings Down The Horse Indie bluegrass-country/folk band Union Duke brought down the house at the famed Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on Saturday night. Hundreds of people crammed the venue to help celebrate the release of Union Duke’s 2nd studio album Cash & Carry and the band did not disappoint them. Cash & Carry provides a stronger, more mature Union Duke. Their song-writing, solid harmonies and melodies give us a glimpse of a band that is really coming into its own. Their first CD, Bandits & Bridges sold out a few weeks after its release. A second pressing of the album had to be done to meet the demand. On stage this night Union Duke performed an electrifying, almost 90 minute set that had everyone on their feet. The band was tight and right. They seemed to be having a great time onstage, with the crowd dancing, cheering and applauding all night. They gave everything they had for the crowd and we loved it. Many of the fans there were already familiar with their music and happily sang the chorus to Union Duke’s songs when asked. Union Duke band members are truly gifted musicians. Everyone has a part in their music. Ethan Smith (co-lead vocalist & original member) showed off his talented acoustic guitar skills and smooth vocal range. You could tell he was pouring his heart out in every song. His animated antics onstage with his fellow band members helped keep them loose and showed that he was having a blast performing alongside them. He was truly appreciating the moment. Matt Warry-Smith (co-lead vocalist & original member) no relation to Ethan, was very energetic and engaging with the crowd. His solid percussions and vocal ability gave the crowd a good vibe for the band. By the end of the set, Matt was drenched. Soaked and sweating like a hooker in a Cathedral, his energy never waned. Guitarist Rob McLaren displayed his talent by giving us his best Jimi Hendrix impersonation by lying down onstage while all the while maintaining the melody of the music. Rob can go from bluegrass to hard rock to country or folk in the blink of an eye. Bassist Will Staunton keeps the music of Union Duke grounded. His ability to help keep the band in step with the music and yet still be able to make his own mark within the song is truly incredible. He has the gift of being able to create his bass-lines within the songs but not overshadow the rest of his band. And finally, not to be out done is the Banjo player Jim McDonald. Another original member of the band, Jim exudes a quiet, calm and reserved presence onstage. A man of few words, Jim prefers to let his banjo pickin skills speak for him. Jim’s exceptional talent contributes greatly to the sound of Union Duke. Union Duke’s performance this night was nothing short of incredible. They gave everything they had and the crowd loved it. Their performance was perfect. None of them missed a beat and their vocal harmonies were impeccable. This is one of the best things I like about Union Duke. Every band member plays a part in their success. All of them have a role musically, but also they collaborate on song-writing, on which shows to perform at, sales and promotion of the band and much more. No one person is greater than the other. They are all contributors in the life that is Union Duke. Be on the look-out for these guys. Their star is beginning to rise……. Union Duke is starting their Canadian tour this weekend at Mariposa Music Festival in Orillia, July 4-6th. Go to their website: unionduke to find out dates in your area. Keep Rockin, Kevin Bell Publisher East End Lights
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 03:24:32 +0000
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