Search - Duhks :: Migrations

A sensory journey with joy, sorrow, inspiration, & even some

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 12/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 39:38 -- The Duhks' progressive "neo-folk" or "cerebral folk" music is best described as highly-arranged folk and Americana that draws inspiration from various genres such as old time string band, Celtic, soul, gospel, folk, and zydeco. The band was nominated for the 2005 Emerging Artist of the Year Award by the Americana Music Association. "Migrations" has about 2/3 of the music that their self-titled 2005 album did, but you'll find that the 11 tracks and 16-page CD jacket don't leave us feeling short-changed. In fact, the project took home the 2006 Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year in the Group category.



Hailing from Winnipeg, the quintet likes to invite a few guest artists into their mix; in this case, Tim O'Brien (5 tracks), Luke Bulla (1 track), and Katie Herzig (1 track). "Migrations" was produced by Gary Paczosa and Tim O'Brien who suggested songs, contributed additional lyrics, and even played or sang along in Tim's case. In keeping with their successful personalized sound, we hear well-crafted, creative songs with soul-stirring vocals and striking guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle and percussion. Low whistle and Uilleann pipes also appear in their kettle of sound. Three of the five Duhks provide vocals, both lead and harmonies. Whether covering Tracy Chapman's "Mountains O'Things" or serving up a Zydeco-flavored "Down to the River," they manage to find some novel material to infuse with their stamp. Tracy's song, of course, encourages us to "renounce all those material things" to save our souls. An instrumental medley of two originals with a Cape Breton tune illustrates how The Duhks blend tradition with their own individuality. Repertoire is also drawn from African-American spirituals (Turtle Dove, Moses Don't Get Lost) and Celtic-flared instrumentals (Three Fishers, The Fox And The Bee).



The band's affinity for reflective ballads with poignant lyrics capitalize on Havey's plaintive vocalizing (Heaven's My Home, Who Will Take My Place, Out of the Rain) to round out the set. "Heaven's My Home" provides a subtle vision for cautious optimism in a life full of trials, travails and adversity. "Who Will Take My Place?" was written by Dan Frechette about the Irish patriot Michael Collins but has more universal application for anyone fighting oppression. Penned by Jessee Havey, "Out of the Rain" provides sunny direction "far from the pain of being tied to your back door."



The Duhks' are Scott Senior (percussion), Jessee Havey (vocals), Leonard Podolak (banjo, fiddle), Tania Elizabeth (fiddle, mandolin), and Jordan McConnell (guitar, whistle, pipes). Creative artistry is built around an ability to free one's own muse. The Duhks' approach allows for personal expression without belittling the very traditions that they're stretching. This successful and impressive effort was done right and with abundant rewards. Before reinventing tradition, The Duhks have obviously lived and breathed the tradition itself by knowing, respecting, and appreciating the natural graces and flowing rhythms of Celtic and folk music. It's an amazing feat for these twenty-somethings. With this strong foundation, The Duhks then incorporate their own life experience to arrange and create a signature sound. The musicians' sensory journey takes us along with joy, sorrow, inspiration, and even occasional humor.



Whether serving up a beautiful, spiritual ballad or a rousing medley of reels, they manage to make each a part of greater Duhkville. With impressionistic and memorable material, this album continues presentation of The Duhks' earthy . Their music conveys an understanding of the bond between land and soul. Their compelling performance is one wrought with the emotional impact and virtuosity of soulful vocals, slapped skins, wailing fiddle, flowing guitar, and bouyant banjo. With a band vision to redefine both folk and pop music, The Duhks are well on their way to doing it with their acoustic tools of the trade. Thnks for not not relying on any electric instruments, synthesizers or drum machines. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)



"

Folk music from the heart

Richard Frost | San Diego, CA | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't expect any Nashville twangy voices, or a fire-burning Choctaw Breakdown. But if you enjoy folk music of any kind, these recordings will touch you deeply. If you've never listened to the Duhks, this album is one to try -- not just one song, but at least 4 or 5 to understand the wide range of style they have to offer. You'll find upbeat, downbeat, gospel, "northern" bluegrass, ballads, and more.

"

Migrations ... back to where we came from

phillip horwitz | Denver, Colorado | 09/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is yet another Duhks album whose music will not leave you alone. Some of the songs are so haunting, you can't help replaying it over and over. In particular, "Three Fishers" (giving us a glimps of Tania Elizabeth's quiet but wonderfully lyrical voice) and "Who Will Take My Place" (sung with lead singer Jessee Havey's signature power and depth of emotion) leave you needing to hear the songs again and again.



Overall, the album is more dominated by great gospel/blues tunes than their first two albums ("Ol' Cook Pot" stands out as well) but there are still reminders of the band's wild energy ("Down To The River" and the instrumental tunes).



Once again, the Duhks have graced us with another oustanding album."