TORONTO, Digital Journal — If I had to come up with, say, four words to describe the man coined by Universal Music Canada as “the star of tomorrow and the future,” I would have to say: been there, done that.
The man, 25-year-old Matt Dusk, who hails from Toronto as the next Frank Sinatra, performed to a full house last night at The Mod Club on College St.
Dusk was there to pre-empt and celebrate the release of his debut album, Two Shots, today. The album was two and a half years in the making and features some classic jazz tunes accompanied by a few original pieces which, ironically, resemble much of Dusk’s style: classical jazz songs with little originality.
If his charismatic, velvety voice wasn’t an indication of his animated emulation of Sinatra, his mannerisms definitely were. Between the finger snapping, wrist twisting and eyebrow lifting, Dusk seemed to acquire a brand-new Brooklyn accent — at least since the last time he met with Digital Journal in August, 2003 — which he paired well with his glass of whisky on the rocks. Or was that Jack’s and Ginger?
Fans didn’t seem to mind, though. In fact, most looked mesmerized by the young crooner; he dazzled audience members — ladies in particular — with songs remnant of the Rat Pack era. Complimenting Sinatra, he also paid tribute to such artists as Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday, citing them as his main influences.
This is where I see the Achilles heel of this rising star. Dusk has made it his mission to bring jazz music back to a new generation. Adding back-beats and rhythms to some of his music, Dusk may have succeeded at rejuvenating the songs, but has failed to rejuvenate his look and style. In a whirlwind after his performance, Dusk said, “I think that as time goes by we really have to grow. To know that young people are following the music as well as older people, it’s fantastic.”
 |
Julia Suppa, Digital Journal’s lifestyle columnist, talks with Matt Dusk after his CD release performance at Toronto’s The Mod Club. — Photo: djc Features |
Talented isn’t even the word to describe him. With more than 15 years of formal vocal training, he is no Canadian Idol contestant vying for a chance at fame. After releasing his first single “Miracle” last summer, Dusk became the buzz-word across North America. His boyish good looks make people swoon with glee, and his sultry voice adds flavour to Canadian talent. He’s even landed a spot on the newest unscripted drama, The Casino, which airs on CTV.
And so, with all of this under his belt, it’s a wonder why he feels the need to pretend to be someone he’s not.
All in all, Dusk’s performance was equivalent to that of an expensive lounge singer capable of reproducing famous songs. It was only when Dusk opened himself up to his audience, singing what he calls his favourite track on the album, that my heart melted for him. “Five,” which Dusk co-wrote, tells the story of a five-year relationship gone sour. It’s his own songs that really give a glimpse of the real Matt Dusk. Finally.
The song that generated the greatest response from the audience was the title track of the CD, “Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad.” Written by U2’s Bono specifically for Frank Sinatra, Dusk earned himself a standing ovation to close the night. The song was presented to Sinatra at his 81st birthday but he passed away before he ever got the chance to sing it. But in Dusk’s hands, he combines Sinatra’s vision and talent with Bono’s craft to create a song that would make Sinatra truly proud.
