Live Music – Duke Street

LIFE and MUSIC come in many forms, shapes, sizes and colors and they
each begin with a PULSE. Without the PULSE, there is no LIFE…there is
no MUSIC!
With DUKE STREET, the PULSE begins in the capable hands of drummer
Kent Clinkinbeard who, along with bassist Joe Cohoon, keep the pulse, or
GROOVE, steady and strong.
The groove is given subtle complexity and structure by the chords and
tasteful guitar stylings of Scott Rogers.
Through inspirational sonic explorations, organist and saxophonist Michael
Vannice adds dimension and breadth to the DUKE STREET sound.
On top of this eclectic blend we add the soulful vocals and slide guitar of
John Hauschild (aka ‘Johnny O.’).
The life/pulse and story of each song becomes a shared experience for
listener and musician alike; each song a new interpretation or variation on a
universal theme.
LIFE – PULSE – SOUL – STORY
Early R&B is the impetus behind Duke Street, first conceived by bassist Joe
Cohoon and drummer Kent Clinkinbeard. The two discovered their creative
connection while playing in various incarnations of local bands.
“I call it an uncommon compatibility,” Cohoon says. “Kent and I have a good time
interacting. It makes the music come easily.”
“We discussed the idea of forming a band that used upright bass to recreate the
sounds that might have been heard in R&B clubs while the music was emerging in
the late ’40s and early ’50s….it’s music with a little less volume than the typical
dance club band.”
“We decided Johnny (Hauschild) would be the perfect vocalist. As a singer and a
musician from Chicago, he played with legends like Solomon Burke and Willie
Dixon.”
“Most of my influences come from,” Hauschild says, “my love of gospel, blues
and early soul music. Working with Willie and Solomon had a big impact on me.”
Listen closely and you’ll find the group of experienced musicians is mixing genres
to create a sound they believe hasn’t been heard before now. “We’re trying to create
something a little different, but it all starts with something that was already there,
which is fun.”

The rhythm section of Joe Cohoon on upright bass and Kent Clinkinbeard on
drums (both experienced jazz musicians) tends to keep the band’s volume down
and the sensitivity to the material up. They are joined by John ‘Johnny O.’
Hauschild on slide guitar and lead vocals, Scott Rogers on guitar and, Michael
Vannice on organ and saxophones.
Many of the members of Duke Street have played together on and off for 20 or
even 30 years in previous Rogue Valley bands.
“We just want to sound as good as we can, have fun