From Amazon.com
Amazing talent, for the most part
Album Rating: (3 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: First of all, I hold that the Duhks are one of the best acoustic groups out there. As an instrumental group, they are good as any one could mention. In addition, they have two extraordinary vocalists. Jessica Havey is(was) their "lead" singer and remarkable in every way. Tania Elizabeth plays fiddle and sings a couple of songs. Her talent alone could carry this band. An astonishing voice and equal player. For reasons unknown to me, 2 cuts were given over to Leonard Podolak as lead vocalist. I figure this guy must have a compelling personality, musical genius, have founded the band or all three to get these tracks. He is without a doubt one of the worst singers ever to be recorded in a high musical context such as this. I hardly know whether to laugh or weep when I hear him. Very seldom do I encounter a singer that makes me spit blood and dash for "next". Jessica surely must've left the group to escape such brutal punishment of the senses. None the less, get this CD and be astounded by the gems.....overlook as best you can the weaknesses. Also, I feel any group should not do a cover unless they equal or exceed the original. Please, never do a Sting tune for the love of Goddess. There are plenty of great songs out there which are yet to be recorded. Bela.....what were you guys thinking? The follow up CD has the same problems but to a lesser degree. Unfortunately, the recording is a bad one. Paczosa boosts the high end even further than on this recording and the result is almost unbearable on a decent system.
Great group
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: The Duhks have a fresh, original sound, and songs that tell compelling stories. THeir music blends celtic, french-canadian and jazz traditions into something new and original.
Canada rocks with the Duhks
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Their albums and live performances are a lively, musical treat. Winner of a Juno and nominated for a Grammy. Go Duhks!
Listening to the Duhks is like reaching Nirvana!
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: The Duhks is a group of young twenty-something musicians all with amazing talent. They are in a genre of their own, mixing bluegrass, gospel and blues together to make a sound that has never been heard before. Jessee Havey, lead vocals, sings gospel like no one I've ever heard. Her voice makes you want to cry, it's full with so much emotion and strength. Tania Elizabeth, fiddle, is classicly trained and her talent is over the top amazing. Tania's voice also blends beautifuly with Jessee's. If you have ever seen The Duhks live, you know that the banjo player Leonard Podolak is quite a character. His wonderful personality comes through his playing especially on the instrumentals. Leonard sings lead on "Everybody Knows," which is one of my favorites and Leonard is probably the reason for that. Jordan McConnell, guitar, makes his own instruments and you can really tell. He knows how to play that guitar like it was made for him. The music he makes is honest and beautiful. Last but not even close to least is Scott "Senor" Senior, drums and percussion. Scott plays drums that he makes. they are wooden boxes that provide a full, earthy sound that compliments the other musicains perfectly.
Other than all of the musicians being incredibly talented, they also work perfectly together. The problem with many young bands these days is the competition between members. You never sense that with The Duhks and if you see them live you know there is no competition at all. They often face eachother and play off eachother. What they do together is truelly magical.
This CD is one of my favorites in my collection. When I got this album two summers ago, it was on repeat for all of the season. I have been fortunate enough to have seen them live twice. They are five of the sweetest people. Their shows are intimate and lively. Afterwards they mingle with the audience and surprise everyone with their down to earth attitude.
Another wonderful thing about The Duhks sound is it can reach all age groups. I'm a young adult and I adore them just as much as my parents who are the ones who introduced me to them. At the concerts I've gone to, there have been people of all ages, from five years old to seventy years old and they all have the best time of their lives.
Buy this CD, you will not regret it!
One of the best albums I've bought lately
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This is one of the best albums I've bought lately. The Duhks have a unique sound that I want more of. Great vocals, excellent harmonies, and fantastic instrumentals.
Purchases
1 Death Came a Knockin' - The Duhks, Traditional
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