Doug Duffey’s songs have charmed New Orleans music lovers and other performers for more than 40 years. On his latest album, “Traditional,” the Louisiana bluesman covers some of the tunes that helped shape his own style.
All 14 songs start with a blues base, but Duffey incorporates gospel, jazz, and soul into tunes such as “St. Louis Blues,” “Scarborough Faire,” “Motherless Child” and “Amazing Grace.”
My favorites are “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “Delia” and “St. James Infirmary.” Duffey preaches with both his piano and his voice on his boisterous rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” He offers two interpretations of “Delia,” but the piano version is the real keeper. Duffey uses his voice, tinged with sadness, to creep through the story of a woman who was murdered. His piano licks sound respectful, too, but they also dance around his vocals as if celebrating the woman’s life. “St. James Infirmary” is the album’s real centerpiece. Duffey adds so much flavor you can almost taste the tune.
Check it out yourself:
