The Ugly Ducklings enjoy making acoustic folk and roll melodies together as the night draws in. Their compositions are inspired by the American Middle West and sometimes beat to a blues rhythm. Led by a natural, Kansas grown voice, the group resonates to a strong guitar sound, a mellow drum and the strains of an accordion, evocative of the harmonica. Their concert repertoire includes covers of classics as well as the ten original songs we present here. The group has been playing together - in its present line-up - for just over 2 years. The UD personality is developing, gently but surely. The adventure has just begun for these 5 accomplices who take their music seriously without taking themselves too seriously. The Ugly Ducklings are: MATTHIEU DELAVEAU - Drums and percussion - We can’t introduce Matthieu without mentioning Squeeze Groove, the band he played with for 10 years. After 3 albums, the band members went their separate ways and Mathieu headed in the direction of the UD’s, much to their pleasure. Whether he’s playing on a simple snare or on a full drum kit, Matthieu provides the pulse of the UDs. MARC LECOUTRE - Lead guitar, slide guitar, rhythm guitar - Marc’s musical path has been just as varied, influenced by different encounters along the way. His experience in rock and swing jazz via traditional dance music makes for a particularly rich repertoire for his guitar solos that add their own particular style to the UD’s compositions. A firm JJ Cale fan, the UD’s music is a coming together of everything Marc has done so far: music rhymes with friendship. David MARKER - Lead vocals, 12 string guitar, rhythm guitar - In a former life, David was neither singer nor songwriter – just a small college professor. Today, David is the voice of the UD’s and composes the majority of their songs. His lyrics are inspired by his native Kansas as well as by the eternal themes of love and friendship. His melodies communicate the individual character of the band. DOMINIQUE NORMANDIN - Bass and keyboards - We would need a entire page to cover the musical activities of Dominique. Let’s just mention his experience as a professional musician for dance halls as well as heavy metal gigs. He is also a member of “The Wild Geese,” a well known Irish band. Dominique has trained as pianist and it’s his bass rhythm that provides the groove for the UD's ! JANICK PROUX - Accordion, backing vocals, backing percussion - Janick’s musical background has been shaped by different encounters, including the various accordion players of La Soufflette in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) and Yehed Mat, a Celtic rock group from the Ardèche (France). His formal training in musette (traditional French bistro music) has never stopped him from seeking out other musical styles. Thanks to the UD's, he can fully explore the avenues of improvisation on this new musical adventure. We have been influenced by many musicians. Some of the influences (and from time to time, cover) are: JJ Cale, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Jim Croce, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Credence Clearwater Revival, Steve Earle and Warren Zevon. Obviously, varied and eclectic.