Duncan Hill Perspective on Pal Around

My name is Duncan Hill. I am a professional guitarist turned singer-songwriter who seeks to blend all the best parts of all forms of American music into honest, enjoyable tunes. I grew up in the rich musical tradition of Kansas City before studying music at MI in Hollywood, California. For the past 14 years I have resided in Austin, TX when not on the road with my own shows, or as a guitarist for other artists. 

Growing up in Kansas City I was surrounded by traditional jazz and blues. Since living in Texas I have worked and written extensively in the Americana, folk/rock realm. Pal Around was written with a direct intention to blend these two worlds and pay tribute to my blues and jazz roots and marry them with my Americana sensibilities.

My Dad was a professional singer so I can't really remember a time when there wasn't music playing in the house. That said, I have a very clear memory of him playing and Hallelujah, I love her so by Ray Charles when I was probably 4 or 5 and it stopped me in my tracks. I knew then that I was hooked.

I've never imagined doing anything else. I would stage concerts for my friends and family starting in Kindergarten and I missed my senior prom because I was on tour. It wasn't a conscious decision.

Jazz, Folk, Blues, Americana.

I always loved and practiced Jazz, but I never attempted to incorporate that style of music and that kind of harmony into my original music until recently.

I try to use my songs to remind the audience of the joy and wonder that's accesible in the day to day. The fact that a text from a friend or a well built sandwich is every bit as much a cause for celebration as achieving an impressive personal goal. Joie de Vivre. I think the world needs that reminder these days.

Jon Batiste. He is probably the greatest contemporary musician alive and a master of blending styles. There is also a lot of history in what he does. His music is a true celebration of the many cornerstones of American Music.