This show is part of the 20th Anniversary Irish Tour celebrating one of Ireland’s most unique and timeless records.
Described as “a quiet triumph of enduring artistry”, Songs from the Deep Forest remains a beautifully imaginative collection of songs — full of warmth, poetic storytelling and the unmistakable voice and piano-driven melodies that made Duke Special such a singular artist.
Rather than ageing, the album has only grown richer with time. Its softness, theatrical charm and refusal to follow trends are exactly what makes it still resonate so deeply two decades later.
Duke Special will be joined by Temperance Society Chip Bailey as they perform this wonderful album in its entirety.
I’d never heard of Duke Special before, but when I was visiting family in Scotland my cousins said we HAD TO go see him play. We saw him at The Arches in Glasgow and it was absolutely amazing!
Even though I didn’t know the songs, I didn’t need to know them to get into it. He gives off such great energy and really keeps the crowd into it. His interactions with the crowd were really fun-he told little stories and made it feel more intimate than it might have otherwise. You can tell he’s definitely appreciative of the fans who have come to see him! He even came out and walked around the crown singing and talking to people, which was pretty surreal (in a good way!)
As much as I loved his singing and lyrics, the thing that really got me was his piano playing-he is insanely talented. I didn’t know any of the songs beforehand, but I have to say “Conditon” was my favorite that I heard. I actually went home and bought a bunch of his mp3s right away. This concert definitely turned me into a fan, and I will be going to see him again If I ever have the chance!