The RocKwiz Duets CDs are consistently jam-packed with well-executed covers of much-loved classics and of gloriously obscure musical gems. The eclectic mix of talented artists and the razor-sharp musicianship of The RocKwiz Orkestra ensure that the quality and interest levels remain high regardless of the genre being explored. It’s always intriguing hearing very different singers weaving magic together. For instance, Gemma Ray and Jon English nail their rendition of the 1966 Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra classic Sand. The light yet melancholic air of Ray’s sunny voice perfectly complements English’s honey ‘n’ gravel vocals.
Some of the artists that have popped up on RocKwiz over the years surprise the listener with unexpected vocal performances. Andrew Stockdale, for example, may be remembered by many as the metallic powerhouse that led the thundering Wolfmother yet on Leather and Lace,his duet with Holiday Sidewinder, he displays a phenomenal grasp of melody and restraint that is ideal for the gentle and beautiful Stevie Nicks and Don Henley hit from 1981.
One of the great joys of listening to these compilations is encountering performances that are so exciting that the singers end up owning the song that they are covering. Ella Hooper and Dan Sultan do this with aplomb on their version of With A Little Help From My Friends which packs more soul, emotion and firepower into five minutes and 55 seconds than some bands manage to achieve in an entire career. If you love music delivered with passion, playfulness and skill you must own this excellent collection of RocKwiz Duets!
BY GRAHAM BLACKLEY
Best Track: With A Little Help From My Friends ELLA HOOPER & DAN SULTAN
If You Like These, You’ll like This: The RocKwiz Duets (Collectors Editions Vols 1-3) VARIOUS ARTISTS
In A Word: Entertaining
