112 NORTH DUCK: I Took the Hook

112 North Duck

I Took the Hook

© 2007 J. E. Van Horne (634698000822)

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Tightness, talents and a lead vocalist who has to rank in the 2% who can really sing The Blues, excellent original material and a style that’s evolved from the finest Southern Blues/R&B/R&R influences.

notes

112 North Duck: Blues in the tradition of the classic blues bands. The group features an oustanding lead singer, an incredible guitar player, supported by a rock solid rhythm section. Performing since 2004, the band is hardworking, always professional and extremely entertaining.
In September 2006, 112 North Duck released their first CD "Judgment Day" featuring 13 songs by blues greats: Willie Dixon, Sleepy John Estes, Robert Johnson, Freddie King, Jimmy Reed, Memphis Slim and Ike Turner.
In July 2007, the band released their second CD "I Took the Hook" also with 13 songs; 11 by the band, one by Loren C. Winkler from Blue House, and one by Taj Mahal and Yank Russell.
The band's name comes from a place where the cowboys would go after many long hard days on the prairie. A place where they could get their fill of rest, relaxation, entertainment, beverages, and the always important, female companionship.
Real Blues Magazine in Victoria, BC Canada put our CD "I Took the Hook" at #17 on their chart of the top blues CDs released worldwide in 2007.

Personnel:

Brendan Riley – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion
Brendan began singing with his father in the Turfmen, a popular Omaha Irish group. He brings that same sense of storytelling to the songs he performs and writes with 112 North Duck. He has a dynamic voice, easily relates to the audience, has great energy, and a genuine feeling for what the blues are all about. Brendan is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Omaha.

Michael Beebe – lead guitar, vocals
Michael was the guitarist in the band BEEBE, a regional act based in Omaha, from 1992-2003. The group released five full length CDs, a live CD, and a remix CD during its existence. Michael wrote many of the songs on those recordings. In addition to his writing ability, he is an incredible guitarist. When you listen to him it is obvious that he could play with anyone. His major influences have been Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Johnny Winter, Roy Buchanan and Freddie King.

Brian Luger – bass, vocals
While in college, Brian played bass in a local band and was a sound engineer at the well-known Lincoln venue Knickerbockers. After graduation he came to Omaha and was a sound engineer at the nationally known Sokol Hall. He has a natural feeling for the role of the bass in blues, and does a great job filling out the bottom end with his solid and consistent tone. Brian is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

J. E. Van Horne – drums, vocals
J. E. brings a great deal of experience to 112 North Duck. He was the drummer in the band BEEBE with Michael, and a sound engineer with a touring sound company working with acts such as; Johnny Cash, Gloria Estefan, The Judds, Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, The Gatlin Brothers and many more. He’s been a recording engineer since his touring days and has recorded groups like 311 and Michael Lee Firkins, winning an award for his Boyz II Men recording on the “A Very Special Christmas 2” CD. He is a very solid, big beat drummer who helps solidify the band’s big sound. J. E. is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

CD Review
A. Grigg
Real Blues Magazine
Victoria, BC
February 2008

112 NORTH DUCK: I TOOK THE HOOK (APPLECOPTER)

Within about 3 seconds of Track #1, you’ll be ‘hooked’ by a sound that is simple but utterly Joy-filled and Joy inducing. This is such a sweet treat to behold especially in this day-and-age and 112 North Duck have a formula that snags both young and old. Combine tightness, talents and a lead vocalist who has to rank in the 2% who can really sing The Blues, excellent original material and a style that’s evolved from the finest Southern Blues/R&B/R&R influences and you’ve got the basic ingredients for 112 North Duck. Not bad, eh? The Omaha, Nebraska area is home to these guys (and the birthplace/home of Legendary R&B sax man/flautist Preston Love) and glancing at the promo photo one can see that these 4 fellows are veterans. Their song list is also on-display and it’s both impressive and revealing. Anyone who digs (and plays) Freddy King, Peter Green, Jimmy Reed, Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters gets my respect. The band members are: Brendan Riley on vocals, guitar, percussion, Michael Beebe on guitar/vocals, Brian Luger on bass and vocals and J.E. Van Horne on drums/vocals.
After the oh-so-tasty opening number, “I Took The Hook” (a tune that should ensnare every Blues Radio DJ and hundreds of C&W DJs as well…) we move into another first-rate original, “Tear To Glass Eye”, a fast and funky Blues Rocker heavy on the guitar power. Great stuff. “She Caught The Katy” is one of just two covers and nicely done (but on my list of songs To RETIRE), oh well. “Rollin’ Low” is a catchy little shuffle with super-fine drumming from Van Horne. “End Of The Road” is, I believe, Michael Beebe’s ballad contribution. “That’s What I’m Talking About” is one of those tunes that’s equal parts Blues, Country and Roots Rock with lyrics that should ensure coverage by a multitude of bands in all 3 camps. “Soul Of The Duck” is an instrumental workout for the guitarists especially. Now we come across a tune that should become an underground classic; “The Game” is the most eloquent paean to Narcotic Addiction I’ve ever come cross and when it ended after 2:34, I was almost upset. If they could’ve added just another 60 seconds even…but still; it is a Dark Masterpiece. “The Turn” is a tough, bar room workout with a nasty attitude and even a wah wah solo. “Behind Those Eyes” (a cover tune from one Loren C. Winkler) is a tough number with some 1970s hard-rockin’ flavor (a la James Gang?) “Gravedigger” is a doomy, gloomy Masterpiece (“You were a gold-digger, now you’re my gravedigger. When we first met I was happy as could be, worst thing that you took was my pride away from me, I can’t look myself in the mirror Lord knows I try…” Wow!) The Gold digger from hell is every man’s greatest Nightmare and for those of us who’ve barely survived the poisonous clutches this tune can evoke shivers. I’m assuming that virtually every musician has his share of Dangerous Women and what better therapy than to compose a killer Blues song on the topic? This is a tune that every Blues musician (and fan) Black or White should hear as it’s the ultimate Tribute to a nasty subject. Totally inspired. “Get Away From Me” is a hot, funky dance-inducer with excellent guitar work. “Mountain Movin’ Mama” is Chuck Berry-styled balls out rocker that’s guaranteed to close out the gig in fine fashion i.e. stompin’ till the lights come on. I haven’t heard too many bands from the Mid-West but 112 North Duck has me wondering what else is out there for “I Took The Hook” is a mighty fine collection of Blues/Roots nuggets with several tracks deserving to be Hits somewhere. Ideally it’d be nice to see/hear Blues and Country DJs spinning the Heck outta “I Took The Hook”, “That’s What I’m Talkin’ About” and “Behind Those Eyes”, while “Gravedigger” as I’ve already stated, has got what it takes to become a Blues Classic/standard. 112 North Duck has certainly delivered ‘the goods’. 5 Big Bottles of Beer for an album that should kick-the-doors-open for 112 North Duck.
February 2008

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