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Duke Special's return to Belfast sees him riding on the wave of critical acclaim following the release of 2006's debut "Songs from the Deep Forest",�which was nominated for Three Meteor Music Awards. Interest in Belfast's brightest rising star has forced the gig to be brought forward a day to accommodate Duke's appearance in Dublin at the Choice Music Awards.

The night's theatrics begin with a serious shellac attack by way of DJ78.�Wee Davey G, an ex-punk by way of East Anglia greets the Ulster Hall punters in the lobby on arrival.�The DM boots have been replaced by a rather more dapper dinner suit and bow tie. 1920s dancehall jives blend into the classics of 50s rock 'n' roll seamlessly and hints to the vaudevillian air of refinement that marks the nights proceedings.�When the meet and greet act is confirmed as part of the Glastonbury line up for the summer, one senses the night's entertainment is not going to disappoint.

Thomas Traux is not just a musician but an inventor of kooky instruments to boot.�One such instrument, Traux calls the 'hornicator' looks more like an old vacuum cleaner, but its sound resonates throughout the venue on "Inside the Internet", a song that reflects on the vast resources of the internet as a tool for bringing us closer together against the vast disconnect that remains in our daily existences.�However, "Prove It To My Daughter" sees Truax picking up a rather more familiar instrument, the guitar, and he proceeds to lead the crowd in a game of 'Where's Wally' as he darts around the Ulster Hall strumming his guitar in the balcony, in the lobby, and in the auditorium before finding his way back onto the stage.

David Ford is, once again, a welcome presence on the bill.�Promoting his debut album "I Sincerely Apologise For The Trouble I Caused", Ford makes no apology in presenting every song as he intended it to sound.�Musical influences point to Ryan Adams, Jeff Buckley, Neil Young and Randy Newman, but lyrical influences are distinct and unique.�This is perceptible when Ford sings "State of the Union", a song that recalls the songwriter's harassment in the Deep South of America over his religious convictions. Later, on "Cheer Up You Miserable Fool", a song reflecting upon what it means to be English today, is tonight dedicated to the English fans in the audience still coming to terms with the recent Irish rugby victory over the English at Croke Park.

The stage is beautifully set up for the arrival of the Duke, as the music to The Teddy Bears Picnic fills our ears - "If you go down to the woods tonight you're sure a big surprise..." Despite the lack of studio material to promote, every show is a surprise as to what may be on offer.�Tonight Peter Wilson takes the stage unaccompanied for a moving rendition of "I Think I Am Losing You" before being joined onstage by Réa Curran on trumpet, Temperance Society's Chip Bailey on drums, percussion and kitchen utensils, and Ben Hales on clarinet and saxophone.�The band accompanies on "Brixton Leaves", "Everybody Wants", and the Amazing Pilots' tune "Slip of a Girl".�Placing one foot firmly on the top of his piano, he is clearly in his element performing at one of the biggest headlining shows of his career to date. It is heart-warming to hear a poignant cover of the late Elliott Smith's "Baby Britain", an artist whose work clearly influenced his song writing craft.

Towards the end of last year, Duke Special warmed up for the Divine Comedy across Britain and Ireland.�Tonight, Neil Hannon returns the favour and joins Peter on stage as Soft Cell's 80s classic "Tainted Love" gets the special treatment, and again for the evenings encore performance of "Drink to Me Only".

We have grown accustomed to seeing Duke Special at smaller venues over the years: the Empire, the Rotterdam, Maddens, Katy Dalys, even Larry's Piano Bar. You name it, he's probably played there! Despite the ever increasing venue capacities, the intimacy and feel of those early shows has not been dissipated.�"Freewheel" and "Salvation Tambourine" set the crowd up nicely for an emerging Duke Special curtain closing tradition. Tonight Peter and friends gather round the piano in the middle of the audience for a lively rendition of "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight". Even though it is performed entirely acoustically, our modern vaudevillian fills every cubic meter of the old hall with his dulcet tones. Filing out from the Ulster Hall, a plaque reminds us of when the legendary musician and songwriter, Rory Galagher played this venue. On this form, it is not inconceivable to think that Duke could reach such degrees of success in the years to come as he continues to develop as a writer and artist, now wouldn't that be special

Trevor Gordon
Photos by Keith Wilson