Luke Doucet Pleases All Ages

Luke Doucet And The White Falcon are in an enviable position. More than a year after the release of their lauded Blood's Too Rich, the Hamilton-based crew are still able to tour and fill clubs.

The secret to Doucet's success isn't difficult to figure out; you only need to stop by one of his shows and have a look at the patrons. Doucet And The White Falcon have hit upon a style that crosses age barriers.

While in-the-know youth might like to claim Doucet as an under-the-radar indie rock hero, it was clear from the number of boomers in attendance at The Mod Club that the bluesy rocker is just as well known to the parental set. One couple even brought their baby to the show.

Folky songstress Amelia Curran got things off to a quiet (but enjoyable) start. Doucet's first few songs fooled the crowd into thinking the remainder of the night was going to be just as pensive, but after three introspective openers, he and The White Falcon increased the tempo and volume to proper rock show levels.

The quartet rattled through more than 20 songs — most, if not all of Blood's Too Rich, and a healthy dose of older material — and even managed to squeeze in a tune from singer/guitarist Melissa McClelland's upcoming disc. Major Maker's Lindy Vopnfjord hopped on stage to sing back-up on a memorable "Beacon On The Southpaw." Doucet's "Long Haul Driver" and his version of The Cure's "The Lovecats" seemed to elicit the most excitement from the crowd.

To close the early set (The Mod Club turns into a dance bar at 10 p.m.), Doucet and company trotted out for a speedy encore that included a cover of The Band's "Ophelia" and Doucet's "Broken One" from 2005's Broken (And Other Rogue States).

While all the band members were entertaining, Doucet and his White Falcon guitar was the night's real spectacle. It wouldn't be a stretch to suggest that, within his niche, Doucet may be one of this country's best players. He definitely knows how to whip a crowd of ladies (young and old) into a frenzy.