Duke Special (Peter Wilson) is a man of song, and on Thursday night in the Komedia he showed himself to be much more than that – a raconteur, educator, good-humoured man of the people and a fine writer. He can play a bit, too! There was so much on offer that it’s remarkable to consider that it all came from one person.
 
Opening track, Wingman from recent album, Look Out Machines! was delivered over a bombastic backing track – all high drama, but not in any way a sign of things to come. Next came an apology from Wilson about being tardy, blaming his lateness on the making of the world’s worst shaker (it had a decent claim to the title), which gave way to a long and thoughtful introduction to In a Dive, a song about how kindness can be found in the most unexpected places within Belfast (where Wilson resides). It was delivered as a captivating combination of piano and voice, highlighting the richness of its chords and melody, allowing it to positively glow.
 
From theatrical to comical to deeply heartfelt in a space of minutes without anything feeling forced or out of place. Not a bad trick if you can do it.
 
I learned a great deal from the evening: of magical stories surrounding photographer, Alfred Stieglitz; that Ivor Cutler is a gem of a poet (I am Going in a Field also drew the ear to Wilson’s rounded baritone); and that people who don’t take themselves too seriously will always win the crowd. Introducing Nail on the Head as “this has been on the radio… Belfast Hospital Radio” was just one of many self-deprecating gags. However, the rendition that followed was no joke – another one of his compositions that works wonderfully with just voice and piano, it unfolded as a great story; something that had passed me by somewhat on the album.
 
There were leftfield song choices – Andrew in Drag by Magnetic Fields and Harry Nilsson’s Coconut providing material at the sillier end of the spectrum were balanced with melancholic numbers like Air’s Cherry Blossom Girl. Big Star’s 13 didn’t surprise me when it appeared in the encore, though – but only because it is a classic songwriter’s song, and not at all out of place in Wilson’s care.
 
In amongst the laughter and the stories was also a true display of human warmth. Knowing that a regular audience member, Mark, would be attending. And, knowing that he has a tendency to call out for the same song at each gig, Wilson took the time to make sure that his lyric book containing Stargazers of the World Unite was on his piano, and invited this persistent fan to come and turn the pages whilst he performed it. It must have made Mark’s night… and a few sweaty eyes in the audience.
 
There was still plenty of space for new material amongst the veritable smörgåsbord of tunes and tales. Domino was full of stunning piano work, again laid bare as voice and keys, climaxing in a moving Jeff Buckley-esque falsetto. Statues was taken as a request in the encore section (I’ll admit that it was me that shouted for it) and completely floored me with its sincerity and powerful simplicity.
 
It somehow feels wrong to further single things out as this was such a complete evening. There was something for everyone without it ever feeling like you were waiting for the something you want. In fact, it was more like everything for everyone all the time, delivered by someone with penchant for stories, laughter and songs of all ages.
Adam Atkins
 
Website: dukespecial.com
 
Illustration by Mary Martin – marymartin.info