It began as a chordless trio in darkest Wales comprising of sax, double bass and drums, then guitar and piano appeared. Jazz styles disappeared and heavy jams with collective improvising took its place. The piano morphed into different synthesisers and tape loops and the double bass cracked open to reveal its electric counter part. Standard chord progression melted away to reveal the dark minimalist progressive rock band that is Duski.

Duski toured the UK three times to promote their debut album. During this process, the band started developing new music that ended up dominating the set: a new album was on the horizon. The band entered Giant Wafer Studio in September 2018 and took three days to craft the new album ‘Make a Wish’. As the band was comfortable with the music and confident that three days was ample time to record it all, they were able to take time to muse on their new direction. Traditional form of melody and then lots of soloing took a sideline replaced by group improvisations based more on image and texture. Most of the album album was recorded live in a few takes along with overdubbing.

One track ‘Milk Thistle’ was through composed and then scrapped for a simple bass riff and a Miles Davis Live Evil inspired jam. Other fully formed tunes such as ‘Arjun Nagar’ and ‘Take it back’ were more inspired by the music of Donny McCasslin and Pat Metheny. As well as musical, there were visual influences for the album including the works of David Lynch and Dario Argento. The final and most important element of the recording process was being in the middle of nowhere in Rural Wales surrounded by close friends who happen to be enthusiastic, supportive, collaborative and fantastic musicians.

credits

released May 22, 2020

Paul Jones
Wurlitzer 200A Electric Piano
Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano
Novation K-Station Polyphonic Synthesiser
Arturia Minibrute Monophonic Synthesiser
Watkins Copycat Mark IV
Boss BE-5 multi effects,
Other various effects

Dan Messore
Collings I35 Deluxe
Fender Telecaster AVRI 52
Fender 2017 American Telecaster
Danelectro 12 String
Gretch Baritone
Various effects and prepared guitar

Aidan Thorne
Fender 1984 Japanese Precision Bass
Fender 2010 Mexican Precision Bass
Double Bass

Mark O Connor
Tama Drums
Ziljian Cymbals

Greg Sterland
Tenor Saxophone

Recorded at Giant Wafer Studio in September 2018
Engineered, Mixed and mastered by Deri Roberts
Produced by Aidan Thorne and Toby Hay
Design by Dee Ball