The Duhks

I first heard the Duhks on "Beautiful Dreamer," a CD of Stephen Foster songs reinterpreted by contemporary artists. They do a nice version of "Camptown Races" there. I've since purchased both their eponymous first CD (produced by Béla Fleck) and their second, "Migrations." Even if I didn't know which album* came first, I'd be able to figure it out quickly by tracing the evolution of lead singer Jessee Havey's tattoos. In the first, we can clearly see that her entire left arm is covered, and part of her right arm, and God only know what else, although not her chest, back, or abdomen, which are at least partially revealed in various photos. (See? You pooh-pooh my need to buy Real! Live! CDs! but I get to read liner notes and examine the photos. Nyah-nyah.) Then, on the second CD, lo! There's a major tat covering her chest, and it's even featured on the last page of the little booklet.

Anyhow. It's hard to describe their music. It's sort of bluegrassy and folky, sort of like whatever you'd call Old Crow Medicine Show and Crooked Still and all those other new "alt" bands I've been discovering—and loving—recently.

All this time I've been trying to figure out how to pronounce Duhks. Is it like Dukes? Or like Ducks? Or like Dooks (rhymes with "books")? Or something else entirely? I wanted to recommend them to friends in real life, but I didn't know how to say it. So I was browsing over at Amazon and there it is:

Celtic fiddles, Irish reels, old-time banjo, gospel vocals, and Latin percussion forge a common spirit within the uncommonly vibrant fusion of the Duhks (pronounced "ducks").

*Is it still OK to say "album"? Does it even mean anything anymore? I'm going to keep saying it.

Comments

[jo]

I'm so glad you liked them! They rule...her voice is so amazing. I always assumed like the bird...but who knows?
I was also very surprised you hadn't heard Jeff Buckley given your predilection towards poncy (as my husband would say) folk.
in this house, it is one of our favourite genre, so I point you towards a few others.
*Lori McKenna - local chick with the most honest lyrics you'll ever hear.
*June Tabor - British, librarian, amazing voice. Unsure? I can email you a track.
*Kate Rusby - Simply BRILLIANT. Try any track on Ten, Little Lights or Underneath the stars. Particularly heartbreaking...'My young Man'
*I'm going to assume Patty Griffin has passed your radar before, but if not, listen to any album (except Red - more rock) and revel in her tone.
*Richard & Linda Thompson - again, British. Amazing guitar and her voice is rather haunting.
*Pentangle - Again from across the pond, but some of the tracks are really rather gorgeous.

If I think of any later I shall pass along...if you wish.

jo

[Karen]

I know all of those you named except Kate Rusby. I'm a dedicated WUMB listener!