As the son of Ian Dury, Baxter Dury was surrounded by the hedonism of his father's difficult life yet also the musical magic that made Ian Dury such an incredible artist. Baxter was born shortly after his parents had left art college, being present for his father's various musical ventures, from Kilburn & the High Roads to Ian Dury & The Blockheads. As a child, Baxter struggled at school, being kicked out of several institutions before eventually leaving at 15, finding escape in the world of soul, jazz and funk.
Music was not an immediate pursuit for Baxter, before working in a watch shop and assisting with a number of indie films. It was not until nearing 30 that Baxter began to forge a music career, not long after his father's death in March 2000. Baxter travelled to Austin, Texas, US to begin recording songs, with the outcome being 2001's "Oscar Brown" EP.
Baxter returned with his album debut in 2003, releasing the visceral, folky, "Len Parrot's Memorial Lift," continuing this sound with his second, "Floor Show" in 2005. Bringing forth psychedelic influences into the mix, 2011's "Happy Soup" found Baxter greater success, finding critical praise with a sound reminiscent of Blur's Graham Coxon. His fourth record, "It's a Pleasure" arrived in October 2014, shortly after playing to a sell out show at London, UK's 100 Club.
Ian Dury was a gifted lyricist, an enigmatic performer and when he sadly passed in 2000, he was described as ‘one of few true originals of the English music scene’. It’s clear when watching him live that his son Baxter Dury has inherited many of his dad’s talents.
Similar to his father, the focus of the show is on Baxter’s voice and if you listen closely to his faint yet dominant wisp you’ll be rewarded with some truly thought provoking lyrics. Baxter is an unhinged force on stage. With the slightly uneasy feel of watching a man on the edge of breakdown, the crowd daren’t look away. Baxter stumbles round the stage occasionally erupting with screams of anguish, a force of loose energy barley contained by the confines of the stage whilst all the while, his band play on, hammering down a steady post-punk rhythm and providing a stark contrast to the unpredictability of Baxter.
If you are prepared for a deeply unpredictable show, riddled with a dark humour and an engaging energy, make sure you check out Baxter Dury.
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