DUKE SPECIAL has announced his only Belfast headline show for 2024, happening at his favourite city venue The Empire Music Hall, on Thursday 5 December, when he will be joined by some very special guests.
Duke says:
‘It seems like sacrilege not to end each year with a show at The Empire, Belfast. It always feels like an unveiling of the collaborations and artistic pursuits that have occupied me during the previous 12 months, a chance to roll out inspirations and curiosities in my home place. I am delighted that Temperance Society Chip Bailey and the mighty matador, Ben Castle, will be among those joining me, two of my brothers in arms.’
Duke Special will also be joined by UK based singer & songwriter Beth Rowley.
Beth acknowledges her early influences predominantly from Gospel Spirituals, Americana and Blues inherited from her parents, who whilst living in South American during the 70’s brought the family up on an eclectic mix of Led Belly, Mahalia Jackson, Willie Nelson and Hank Williams.
Over the years she has been known for her rich effortless vocals but her sound has grown rawer with a deeper, louder edge. In 2019 her second album Gota Fria saw a more 70’s electric guitar influence with gritty harmonica and pedal steel, accompanied by a sold out UK headline tour.
In the 4 years since then, and 2 children later, Beths new project Pale Jewel’ is a collection of her most loved childhood songs and her early influences of americana/ spiritual inspired songs can still be strongly heard. The first EP ‘Pale Jewel – Volume I’ was released in 2022 to great acclaim and the next instalment ‘Pale Jewel – Volume Il’ is due for release in the Summer of 2024. Both EP’s were recorded straight to tape with just 2 musicians sat around a mic, which is how Beth says she feels most comfortable recording; “I love recording like that, no frills or fuss, just one or two takes straight into a group mic is my ideal set up.”
Whether Beth performs with her full 5 piece band or as a stripped back duo, it’s evident that her natural talent and the 24 years that she’s spent so far crafting her art have grown a confidence and sense of ease that only experience, commitment and a love for the music will create. ‘Pale Jewel -Volume II’ is released on Stoopnik Records/Absolute in July 2024.
Tickets on sale now from Ticketmaster and the Empire Bar box office.
