Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations – Live at the Shamrock
Self Released
www.dustinarbuckledamnations.com
9 songs, 49 minutes
The Blues is a music that is most engaging live. Many Blues studio albums are recorded with all the musicians playing together live. The true magic comes when the connection between musicians is then shared with an audience, each person feeding off each other’s energy in a communion. That is what happens on Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations new record Live at the Shamrock. A home town institution in Wichita, KS, “The Sham” is a perfect venue for the Damnations to display the energy, spontaneity and joy of their rootsy Blues based music.
Dustin Arbuckle is a harmonica blowing singer. With a clear deep Rockabilly informed swagger and nimble harp chops, Arbuckle is a road dog grinder who has been laying down Blues and Roots music for almost 2 decades. When he teamed up with guitar ace Brandon Hudspeth, who has had recent acoustic success as half of Hudspeth & Taylor but is fully electric here, the Damnations were born. Complemented by a stellar rhythm section of Caleb Drummond on bass and harmony vocals and Kendall Newby on drums and harmony vocals, Arbuckle and Hudspeth offer a balanced and modern take on classic forms of American music.
“You’re Gonna Hear Me on the Radio” opens the set with a slowed down but jumpy ragtime romp. Focusing on songs written by friends and local songwriters, “Radio” is one of 5 covers. The Damnation original “Across the Desert” has a Hill Country boogie resplendent with chanting moans, Hudspeth grooving hard and dirty and Arbuckle blowing some mean syncopated harp. Channeling Levon Helm, the ballad “Dealer’s Lament” is a great vocal highlight. Instrumental up tempo Chicago Blues work out “Sioux City Strut” gives the band a chance to indulge in some really authentic swinging.
The centerpiece of this set is the 6 minute “Moonlight on the Mountain.” Minor keyed Blues, a spooky vibe is accomplished through reverb drenched guitar and a roiling bass/drum pattern. High and lonesome harmony vocals chase Arbuckle’s lamenting lyrics. An extended instrumental section breaks apart the groove and then reconstructs it. This performance really shows off this unit’s connection and interplay.
Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations are a great band. They are the best kind of Roots act. With a reverence to the past, technique informed by real talent and excellent songwriting, this band has consistently produced great music starting with a live EP in 2019 (Live at the Hook & Ladder) and their fine 2020 studio album My Getaway. What makes them special, and is in full display on Live at the Shamrock, is their attention to tone. Arbuckle’s voice is so clear and strong, Hudspeth’s guitar sound is real and layered. The rhythm section booms and shuffles full of power and subtle syncopation. This is a band of talented practitioners doing the thing for real. Check them out if they come through your town. In the meantime listen to Live at the Shamrock and yell, dance and cheer along with music lovers in Wichita.
