Duke Special, real name Peter Wilson, is a wonderfully flamboyant Northern Irish piano-man with a distinctive hobo-chic look and kooky sound influenced by vaudeville and music hall. Combine this with intelligent narrative lyrics and the audio audacity of 10cc and Freddie Mercury, and one has an idea of what to expect.
Although released simultaneously, Mother Courage and Hector Mann and the extended-play Huckleberry Finn set are separate projects. The National Theatre commissioned Wilson to write and perform Mother Courage And Her Children for last year’s production of the Bertolt Brecht play, while Huckleberry Finn is the Duke’s interpretation of Kurt Weill’s period piece.
Rock fans may veer towards The Silent World of Hector Mann, which features contributions from Neil Hannon and Ed Harcourt. Although still quirky, Hector Mann displays shades of Al Stewart and a young Billy Joel. Artistically stunning, and outstandingly ambitious.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here