Concert Review: Duchess Bring 1940’s Radio Glam To Bar 55

Duchess played a classic set at 55 Bar dedicated to the new release of their album: Laughing At Life. The bar had sprinkling Christmas light arrangements sparkled around the room with an “old-world” bar -decor. The ambiance elevated the classic feeling Duchess gives in telling life stories and giving glorious harmonies that transport you to 1940’s radio glamor. 

I do not know if you have every heard radio songs from the 1940’s, but, as a “history buff”, I have had the pleasure. Back in the day, harmonies were the standard format of singing a song. There were no “lead singers” or star-making riff-offs between your fellow bandmates. This may sound like a different world compared to the bands, particularly girl bands of today, that could be known for their internal limelight rivalries. I mention the uniting difference between girl groups of the past and now because I had never realized the missing feeling of “sisterhood” that can be felt when a batch of talented women decide to sing together. It was this “sisterly” sentiment that made Duchess’ performance warm and inviting. There was no doubt that the ladies can sing, but it was the unwavering union between their voices and their personalities that mustered an inclusive aura. Moreover, it gave the audience a sort of “two for one deal”. Not only were you going to hear good music that you do not hear often, especially on the radio, but you were going to experience a trio of artists that dripped with familial love for each other. 

I, persoanlly, believe one of the secret ingredients to a great concert is a charming interchange between the band and audience. Inclusiveness never fails to make people like and be loyal to you. As the ladies spoke candidly and humorously about their relationships, awkward moments, and received wisdom from life, you grew closer to both them and their songs. Everyone in the crowd began to witness that between  their music and their lives was a sincere bond. Yes, their songs sound vibrant as if their lyrical visions leaping at you like colorful scarves being tossed before your eyes, but they are also personal, poetical choices that reflect the episodes in their life when they yearned to be loved, dreamed of singing, or just wanted to feel included. From “Swing Brother Swing”  to “Everybody Loves My Baby”, Duchess picks tracks that have an up-temop/ up-lifting style and are declarations to be seen either by a lover or the world. I marvel at this because in choosing songs that have been around for decades you realize that no sings like Duchess anymore, but people always sing about the same themes. Thus, they are a relishable relic in how they use their vocals to tap every octave in harmony as if a person’s vocals chords could be a celestial ladder. Yet, they are also a timeless gem that reminds audiences for however many people come and go from this earth, their words, woes, and joys are the same; with love being the key. In addition, I am convinced Duchess vocalists Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner and Melissa Stylianou should have a stint at the Cafe Carlyle. They have the plush, luxurious voices, sophisticated style, and musings for such a venue. For More Information On Duchess Click Here.