Larry Dupio

Larry Dupio CD coverLightning
OIPUD Music

Hawaii may not be the first place one thinks of when it comes to blues music. But it is the home of Larry Dupio, long considered one of the island’s premier guitarists, and his passion is with the blues. For more than thirty years Larry has been performing and teaching guitar, including a spell living in Portland where he led his own band and also teamed up with Shel Bailey heading the group The Big Package. Lightning is his second release under his own name and it is filled with awe-inspiring guitar playing and displays an overview of the deversity of his guitar creativity, be it blues or other avenues.

The first number of Lightning is “It Wasn’t You,” that lays out the terrific guitar work to be heard throughout the disc. It is a catchy tune that talks about that person who is always the first to blame others, denying any wrong doing on their own part. That is followed by “Blues Is Allright,” and much like Little Milton told us in his song of the same name, Larry lets us know that anything that can bring you down, the blues can most often make you feel better. This track again showcases some mighty fierce string work touching into a rock vein during the solos. “Playing The Blues” is an autobiographical piece talking about growing up and learning the guitar from listening to his stereo and how the blues captured his soul, but to truly learn the music he had to watch others play, forming his own “Hawaiian Blues.”

Larry expands on a variety of styles throughout the album, with touches of searing blues rock on “Y Do U H8?,” a bit of reggae on “War,” and where but in Hawaii are you going to find a blues surf song like “Gotta Go Surf.” “2 Love NB Loved” has a little of an island flavor to it, and has a somewhat feel of the music of Dave Mason in both the lyrics and music.

His guitar playing is really highlighted on the last two numbers. “Three Days” is an exceptionally pleasing acoustic solo with string work that rolls right off of his fingers. And “Awake And Dreaming” is unlike anything else offered here. It is a hypnotic, very ethereal piece, beautifully done.

Larry Dupio has created a very well-done collection of bluesy songs on Lightning. An album that grows more pleasing with each repeated listen. Adept guitar playing and clever songwriting make this release a winning combination.

 

Total Time: 39:58

It Wasn’t You / Blues Is Allright / Playing The Blues / Y Do U H8? / Gotta Go Surf / 2 Love NB Loved / War / Jealous Man / Three Days / Awake And Dreaming