Alternate Root Artist of the Week

Old is not the best description for Old Man Luedecke. Old soul is closer to where he lies. His music has a maritime feel to it in line with his adopted home of Nova Scotia. Listening to his fourth release, "My Hands are on Fire and Other Love Songs," the listener can almost experience the excitement of a live show. The energy of the playing, pushed forward by the non-stop banjo work, makes the songs come alive. Though based in tradition, the music of Old Man Luedecke has freshness to it. His worlds are ripped from current calendar dates. The bounce of "mountain Plain" and "my Love Comes Stepping Up the Stairs", the slow crawl of "The Palace is Golden" and the lonesome stride of "down the Road" join forces to deliver a solid effort. The honesty of the words is carried along with determination by the solid and assured playing. The narrator's insecurities are surface level on "Machu Picchu" becomes flesh and blood as much as the depth of the love described in "Caney Fork River". Our free download, "The Rear Guard" allows Old Man Luedecke's voice to fly fast as the rhythm propels the story line forward. Old Man Luedecke has logged road miles across Canada playing at homes and festivals.