Purely and simply a wonderful debut – The Dirty Doves

By John Tierney

The Dirty Doves a.k.a. Jamie Cunningham and Anthony Saturno started their collaboration during the early days of the pandemic. Gigs had dried up. But within them there was a relentless creative energy that led them to work together and see what they could come up with as a duo.

What they came up with is fantastic. Together, these two artists create a perfect synthesis of each other’s talents on guitar and vocal that at times borders on magical. You know.. that special sound that only two specifically combined artists can make that transcends each of the musicians and creates a sound that can take you places, transport you.

The cover of Dirty Doves debut, “Pure and Simple” depicts twin rows of trees against the twilight sky as the sun sets in the distance. The darkening sky following the tree line in its path to the distant horizon. Cunningham & Saturno are taking us on a journey, maybe even a hike through our own hearts.

Leading off is the infectious “Dragonfly” with its whimsical, almost Jack Johnson like bouncing guitar theme, that weaves its way into the song’s charming, uplifting lyrics. The song then soars on a guitar solo played by one of the best guitar players around. The twin vocals complement each other perfectly, especially as the song heads to its smoothed-out bridge. “Dragonfly” is the lead single on the album and is a perfectly chosen introduction to the band. This one is an earworm that will stick with you all day.

“Barcelona” is a shimmering love song to a special person, a special place and just like the beautiful path to the setting sun of the cover art, we find ourselves on a straight-line path to the kind of romantic place seen in that special way that only two in love can see. A song of longing and return, “Barcelona” is as beautiful as the city itself.

The title track is a joyful and jumpy country song about living and loving on one’s own terms, purely and simply, that features a sing along chorus that will have you singing along, loud, and proud. It may just be the most fun song I’ve heard in a while.

The album wraps up with “The Flame” a song about trying to find one’s way back home, wherever home may be and navigating that trip in. the stars, the stars within us, and the stars within those we love. A song about finding the flame that guides us home. Heartfelt and emotional the song is lifted to the aforementioned celestial bodies by a soaring guitar run at the end.

Songs of journey, longing, and love written in a time when we were all locked down. Each song takes the listener on a pathway to reflection. The Dirty Doves have created art out of a dark time and that art shines its light on our emotions.
The musicianship of Cunningham and Saturno is world class, vocal and guitar harmonies blend perfectly. Lyrics delivered with such credibility and passion that one can’t help but recognize that “Pure & Simple” is a special album indeed and one of the best local releases of 2021.

“Pure & Simple” is set to be released September 21 on all the usual platforms.
Lead single “Dragonfly” is out now.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4aERWT2HvadU7Qpd6oNMzH?si=8184a99205404893

The Dirty Doves will be performing at an album release show at the 443 Social Club and Lounge on September 30th at 7pm, see venue website for reservations.