By Brian Rock
Louisiana troubadour, Andrew Duhon blends genres and colors on his third album, Emerald Blue. The evocative Folk singer adds a soulful timbre to his ballads and blues as he contemplates love, loss and life on the road.
“Promised Land,” finds Duhon seeking that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. With gentle, Piedmont blues rhythms backed by playful Hammond organ, he sings, “Sometimes a forefather is a poor mother with nothing but dreams for her daughter.” Realizing that success is defined differently and is achieved by many different paths, Duhon sings, “The more I love, the less I trust in money. The more I get to know the soul of my fellow man.” The easy flowing melody matches the peaceful feeling of knowing that our promised land isn’t a place or a fat bank account, but a state of mind.
“Emerald Blue,” continues the musical marriage of acoustic guitar and electric organ to sing the praises of his girlfriend’s sparkling eyes. Duhon’s resonator guitar comes to the fore in the playful Piedmont blues of “Castle on Irish Bayou.” Eager to escape the madness of the city, Duhon implores, “I know Uptown and Mid City have always been your scene. But what if I found us a place out in the country that was fit for a queen?” Duhon tries to get to the root of his personal quest on “Diggin’ Deep Down.” Adding electric guitar and background singers, he goes full Memphis soul. Trying to find his place in the world, he confesses, “When I look at all the families that my friends have made, makes a man wonder what he’s doing out there on that interstate. But I gotta believe that’s what I’m out here to find out.”
Singing with the power and passion of Sturgill Simpson, Duhon’s weathered, wizened voice resonates with experience and compassion. He is especially emotive on his folk ballads. “Slow Down,” and “Plans,” serve as a reminder to take time to enjoy the moment before it passes. He extols the healing power of nature in “Down From The Mountain.” “Sunrise,” is a beautiful message of connectedness where, “We are the same, you and I… Can we walk side by side through a darkness that’s gone on too long until a sunrise?” “Everyone Colored Their Own Jesus,” is a recollection of Sunday School coloring book lessons and a reminder to heed Jesus’ message to “judge not, lest ye be judged.” “Southpaw,” is a touching tribute to women who know, “there’s a difference between taking your time and dragging your feet.” Duhon invokes the spirit of John Prine on “As Good As It Gets.” Refusing to settle, Duhon sings, “I’ve worn out so many steel strings. I’ve worn out so many John Prine Songs in the corner of a bar with an empty tip jar and nobody singing along. And I just think there’s something out there for me.” Facing the agonizing indifference of those who don’t appreciate his craft, Duhon refuses to give up, singing, “I don’t believe this is as good as it gets.” A battle cry for musicians everywhere who truly care about their music, the song is a poignant encouragement to carry on.
Cleary Andrew Duhon has paid his dues because his music reveals an inner strength that can only be achieved by facing adversity. Like a gemstone created through thousands of years of pressure, Emerald Blue shines with a warmth and gleam as distinctive as Duhon’s voice.
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