Comments From Hugo’s Fans

 

 

 

 

 

From England:

 I noticed on the “Places Along the Road” CD the song “End of the Road” …Very deep and evocative. The maturity of his music is apparent.  I am very much looking forward to hearing his music live. I also have friends in the next village (well, they ARE the next village, if you get my drift) and they have a recording studio somewhere in the cellars of their home. I recently checked with them if they would consider letting others rent time in there, and they said probably. It’s all being re-wired now because they have had the whole house re-wired (it has taken nearly a year, which gives you an idea of a) the size of the place, and b) it’s age). So, if Hugo does come, it may be possible for him to record something there, should he feel inclined. Hugh, the “master” of the house, is a drummer by nature, and one of his good friends is, I believe, Roger Waters. Well, it’s one of those pink floyd people anyway. Hugh’s been around the British music scene for quite a while.

 

From England:

Your CDs arrived last week and I have been regaling myself in the richness of them. I tried to think, what on earth do we call this type of music? It’s quite distinctly southern, quite distinctly associated with hot days, warm nights and water (the kind of music you listen to when you are on the water, or on your way to or from a water based event). At least for me it is. So I’ve started calling it Southern Water Music.  It’s grand, lovely. I had to twitch, though, when I got to the Song of the Sea. For years I have been wearing a cross made from silver from the Atocha. My father sent it to me a while back. So, just another wee coincidence.

 

Hugo, haven’t e-mailed you in a while but thought it was about time when I turned on the TV, flipped through the channels, hit the “food network” and heard some GREAT music. It was certainly a surprise to see & hear you there. I was at the Hogs Breath in January but didn’t get a chance to say hello. Sounded great. Hope you play in the NJ area down the road. I always have at least one of your cd’s in the changer.

 

Hey Hugo! Just saw you on Bobby Flay’s show…You looked and sounded great!! Can’t wait to see you in KW!! I want to thank you for cheering my friend Carol up. You don’t know how much it cheered her up talking to you in person. She really hasn’t had much to make her smile since her mom got sick. And she said just that first message that you left her on her cell phone made her whole weekend. Thanks so much.

 

Hi Hugo, I heard you on Lite 98 radio yesterday and called Tower Records to get your CD. They didn’t have them — knew nothing about them. I called back in about 30 minutes to see if I could order. The shipment had come in — they would hold three for me. I went by about 3:00 p.m. and they were sold out. I thought I might have to fight for the three I had. The sales clerk was in awe. Who were you? Where had I heard you? I, of course, suggested that they get all your work. I’m glad I “didn’t see your hat” because I don’t consider myself a “country” fan. I think you’re just awesome and totally love all the songs on this CD. Where do I find more? Guess I go to the next page …. Thanks so much. Celeste, Loving the Hat

 

How you doing Hugo? I am in Da Nang Vietnam and I saw your e-mail popup on the screen. Things are wonderful here. I have a load of pictures and memories to last a lifetime. The Vietnamese love your CD. I played it quite often here and they all love the Song of the Sea. Got to go now. I will be back in Hawaii on Thursday. Take care, and chat with you later. Thom

 

After hearing your CD twice this morning – a very different pattern for me, (once before leaving for work and once in the car on my trek to work).  I just wanted to say that I absolutely loved it. I also don’t usually read the liner notes, but I read those this morning too. I was especially touched by your dedication to your daughter Sarah. I’m glad I took the time this morning to hear you CD and read the liner notes. It put me in a good state of mind. So I was a little late for work, but that just gave me more time to hear your tunes. There was much in your songs that I could relate to. And what a neat experience to be on board when they found the treasure of the “Atocha”. Wow! Do you have other CDs? I know in your liner notes you said this was a bit of a departure from your other work. I’d like to hear the others…

 

 My wife and I climb on a plane and fly to Key West yesterday and we had the great pleasure of catching Hugo Duarte and the Full Sail Band on their last night of a 14 day gig at the Hogs Breath. Let me tell you that they are one hell of a great band. I am really thrilled that they will be back here for our convention for another 7 days worth of shows at the Hogs Breath. I swear they will take your Breath away.

 

Still looking back at the week.  I look forward to sharing special memories with you soon.  However, my favorite:  Craig is flying back to Indiana, still wearing his “Hugo cowboy” hat. Still hasn’t shaven, and looking quite out of character.  As he finds a seat in the airport in Tampa, a group of ladies were sitting close by.  The chat a little one says, “What do you do?”  He tells her that he is a bank vice president.  She says, “You don’t look like a banker.” He smiles and points to his light blue Hugo shirts and says, “What does this say?”  She reads, “Don’t Be Fooled By the Hat”.  He says, “Exactly! You can’t ever tell just by what you see.” I thought that was an awesome moment!  Evidently…He gets it!!!  Thanks!!!! Love ya, D  

 

 I didn’t mean to ramble.  I was just stunned by the quality of this body of work.  Hugo’s always been great musically, but there’s a depth and skill to his lyrics now that he’s only flirted with before.  It’s almost as if he got brave all of a sudden … if that’s not too arrogant for me to say. I’m not a critic, but I love those songwriters that Jim Hoehn calls “word guys.”  I’ve always loved storytellers, and I value wordsmiths above any other talent. Hugo has taken a giant step with CD.  I hope you and others can put him in venues that will open him up to more people … although I hate to think it will get harder to see him!

Just a note to say hi. Thanks for putting on a fabulous show in Vegas last July. Of all the pictures I’ve taken of you, I have none of you and I. I got ones of you and my wife, yes (she is a bit more photogenic), and I had full intentions of getting that shot this time in Vegas… but it being my birthday and all (Thanks for the surprise birthday wish!) and well, all that booze and good times, by the time you were done… I was done… and I appreciate your taking time to sign the CD while tearing down your gear… I’ll get that picture of you and I next time.

 

 

If I haven’t already said this your latest record is fabulous and worth all the anticipation. I had a scratchy “bootleg” video clip of We’ve Got Dreams that I listened to over and over, just keeping the well in my eyes from overflowing (yeah I get emotional with great songs), so happy to have the studio version now, and then I heard Hollywood and man, that song is incredible! Talk about getting lost deep into a song. I love it. Don’t be Fooled by the Hat, Little Bit of Rain, all of it, all the way to Hidden River. You’re awesome and thanks for the music! And the first song all summer has been Back to the Islands… starts off kicking ass as one of THE best sailing songs ever… you always help keep the “Keys on my mind”. Anyway, thanks again for making it out this far again.

Rob