Caught Duke last night at the Green Rooster Coffeehouse, and it was incredible. I have worshiped at the Duke altar many times before, but never have I seen him in better form. The ensemble of longtime collaborator, guitarist/lap steeler, Kevin Barry; bassist Mike Rivard (Club D'Elf), and drummer Per Hanson (Ronnie Earl) is perfect.

Duke's dizzying chops and vivid comic-book and b-movie imagination result in monstrous chops that are also very musical (like Michel Camillo or Marcus Roberts on piano, or Ella Fitzgerald's singing). His honky tonk playing is reminiscent of the Humbler himself, Danny Gatton, but maybe even better. He also has ideas galore on jazz tunes and even psychedelia, as an eerie and awesome "Strawberry Fields Forever" displayed. He showed the most plaintive and beautiful playing I've ever heard of him, on "Far Away."

Kevin Barry's guitar playing was stripped and primal, yet virtuosic, too; a great complement to Duke. His lap steel playing was gorgeous, too.

Lastly, the sound in the packed room was pure and clean and near perfect.

Welcome home, Duke. Don't make us wait so long next time.


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