Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the early '50s Ruby Murray was one of the UK's most popular singing stars with a myriad of chart singles and regular appearances on UK TV. Recently a TV documentary has been made of Ruby's life and Ireland's redoubtable Duke Special was commissioned to record his interpretations of some of Ruby's best known hits. This CD takes three of her songs and gives them the Duke Special treatment updating them for the 21st century with great arrangements from Ben Castle. The result is a beautifully crafted melancholic alternative pop so that "I'll Come When You Call" feels both nostalgic and current simultaneously. The theme of "Happy Days And Lonely Nights" feels as relevant now as when it was penned. I guess people will always fall in and out of love. "Smile" is probably the best known of the three songs and is stripped down to a trio arrangement. The CD is released to raise funds for Depaul Ireland which works with homeless and disadvantaged people in the north and south of Ireland. It's beautifully packaged and includes a selection of greetings cards designed by service users in art classes. Classy music and a good cause, there's one thing you can say about Duke Special, he's never predictable and always interesting! Actually, that's two things.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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