 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Dukes of Destiny |
|
Check out the Dukes of Destiny Website at: Dukes of Destiny In 1984, four young, local musicians got together and began playing old blues songs in a rambling three-story house in Philadelphia. They decided to take the act on the road as The Dukes of Destiny, a name they got from a matchbook cover urging the reader to “Be the Captain of Your Own Destiny.” At first, The Dukes of Destiny played house parties in Germantown, generating interest by word of mouth. A gig at the now-defunct Taker’s Café in Germantown launched their public career, and 20 years later they are still playing some of the hottest, most danceable blues and R ‘n B in the Philadelphia area. The Dukes of Destiny reign as Philadelphia’s longest-lived blues act. There have been changes in the act: guitarists left, the sax player moved to Texas, and sadly, singer Steve Brown died in March of 2000 and the keyboard player retired. But the core of the band has remained together for 20 years, resulting in a band with a unique tightness and an original approach to the music. Harmonica player and singer John Colgan-Davis has played in the Philadelphia area for more than 30 years, playing and touring with such notables as Bonnie Raitt, Tennessee bluesman Sparky Rucker, the John Cadillac Band, and the legendary guitarist Mississippi Fred McDowell. Drummer Bob Holden has played with Robert Hazzard and Columbia recording artist Quincy. Guitarist Rich Adler played with the beloved Philadelphia band Slant 6. Chicago Carl Snyder is the new keyboardist. He has played around Chicago with such stalwarts as Son Seals and Buddy Guy. Finally, bassist Rich Curtis has led his own jazz groups and has played with guitarist Jim Dragoni, percussionist Doc Gibbs, and saxman Bayard Lancaster. Most recently, The Dukes of Destiny have been joined by the talented and sassy vocalist Miss Arlyn Wolters from New York City. Together, the members of the band represent more than 100 years of professional music experience. Over the last 20 years The Dukes of Destiny have gained a large and loyal following among Philadelphia listeners who know and love the blues. They’ve appeared at four Philadelphia River Blues Festivals at Penn’s Landing, five concerts sponsored by the Philadelphia Blues Machine, the YO Philadelphia Festival sponsored by the Daily News, and the Pocono Blues Festival. They have also opened for such greats as Albert King, Charlie Musselwhite, Commander Cody, Gatemouth Brown, Koko Taylor, John Lee Hooker, and John Mayall. The Dukes of Destiny have also served as the backup band for legendary Chicago guitarist/singer Otis Rush. Duke members Bob Holden, John Colgan-Davis, and Rich Curtis served as the backup band for singer Terry Evans at Performances at TRAMMPS in New York City and the Penn State Festival of the Arts. The band received an award from The Philadelphia Folk Song Society in 1993. With a mix of powerful original songs and arrangements of obscure blues standards, The Dukes of Destiny continue to grow and develop as they share their music through live performances and recordings. The Dukes of Destiny have released two CDs—“House of Forbidden Love” in 1997 and “The Dukes of Destiny” in 1991. Sample and purchase their new CD, “Dukes of Destiny 3" released in December 2004 at www.dukesofdestiny.com |
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
