It's difficult, if not near impossible in today's musical world to find an artist who can reach listeners in the multitude of ways that Duncan Faure has achieved. When many current day artists are comfortable being  pigeon-holed into one genre or another – Faure pushes the envelope by consistently offering  up, and well, a variety of  tunes for all interests and moods.  From ballads to rockers to power pop with a hook, Faure has delivered solidly for the better part of the last three decades.  

The South African born song writer-musician's journey began in the 70's as a teenager with Orange Cash Boat, which made waves as his home country's “youngest pop sensation”.   

His strong personal style and raw talent added to his 1975-1978 band, Rabbitt which also featured Trevor Rabin (of Yes fame).  Rabbitt earned 3 gold albums, one platinum, and several SARIE awards (South Africa`s Grammy).   

To this day they remain South Africa 's all-time biggest pop band, as well as having garnered attention in both the U.S. and Japan .  Duncan shared song writing and lead vocal duties with Rabin and brought his unique progressive keyboard and guitar styles to the mix.  Upon Rabin's departure from the band in 1977 Duncan stepped it up a notch accepting a full time leadership role tackling all song writing and lead vocals on the band's final album “Rock Rabbitt”.   

The end of 1978 found Duncan without a band, as Rabbitt parted ways.  Coincidentally, another of the world's top pop bands had found themselves minus a lead vocalist – and Duncan found himself in the midst of more mass hysteria with the Scottish Bay City Rollers, an incredible experience which Duncan still recalls with great fondness.  In spite of their huge success prior to Faure's appointment, they suffered from stifled creativity until breaking from their former manager and adding Duncan to the lineup.  His arrival was a catalyst for a fearless purging of musical talent never before heard from the band.

Duncan had given Rollers the freedom to express themselves shamelessly - uncovering a previously hidden musical drive and a determination to be taken seriously in a business that had stereotyped them as ‘teeny boppers'.  The band's final three albums thrust them into the forefront as songwriters and serious musicians with a desire to play ‘balls out' rock and roll.

Sadly, the change came too late for some fans who'd already moved on.  Still others, who wanted to remember the band as milk drinking innocents, couldn't cope with their newfound maturity. The group disbanded in 1982.  Still, the Rollers' final three albums, Elevator, Voxx, and Ricochet are regarded by diehard fans as the band's truest productions.

Duncan and fellow displaced Roller, Stuart Wood reformed into Karu - releasing one album in Japan in 1983 . This LP produced the Number 2 South African hit “Where Is the Music,” written by Faure, and is now a valued collector's item.

As Wood was called away to do Roller reunion shows in Japan , Duncan remained in California and, for the first time, tried his hand as a solo artist. Continuing to write and perform during this time, he also lent his talent to other artists, including former Rabbitt member Trevor Rabin, and Bonham.  In 1988, his single “24 Hours” was included on MADONNA's “Who's That Girl?” soundtrack, selling 5 million copies.
AVC records released Faure's first solo effort in 1992. The album called Let it be Right featured a # 2 South African hit, A New Today.  However, it was a song written in the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots which made the greatest impact.  The single, Let it Be Right came to be known as a peace anthem in Faure's equally racially troubled homeland. 

Duncan returned to South Africa in 1993 where the influence of the song was so tremendous that it was made the theme song for the 1993 Miss World Pageant performed by George Benson.

Duncan 's 1996  18-track release, “For the Rights of All Man,” showcasing  the First World Band , featured childhood Orange Cashboat band mates, Franco Del Mei and Raimond Miller.  Coming home to the familiar proved therapeutic as the album grieved the loss and celebrated the lives of both his father and brother, William Faure Sr. & Jr.  The CD earned him praise from both those in the industry, and consumers alike. Many have called it his most sincere work to date.

American interest in the Bay City Rollers resurged in the late 90's and Duncan busied himself with a stream of successful live performances and appearances at Roller fan gatherings, giving him an opportunity to showcase his solo material.  The appearances produced a fan favorite cd in “Pronounced Four-uh”.  Shortly there afterward, EMI South Africa signed Duncan in 2001 and released “Take the Good” producing two singles which received significant South African airplay. 

In 2003, the war in Iraq prompted Duncan to release  “Let It Be Right – Freedom Mix”, as a song of support for the military and their families involved in the Iraq war. It was added to his website as a free download and sent to radio stations across the United States where it was met with gratitude and an overall warm reception.

His most current release, “Letter from Britain : Home Studio Recordings,” (2005) is an eclectic mix of new material combined with never-before-released gems and experimental instrumentals. Faure wrote each song -  and for the first time in his career, played every instrument and produced the CD as well. Now in its second printing, “Letter from Britain ” is a true look inside the music that is “pure, untouched by outside hands…”

In 2007 Duncan returned to the States with his wife, Laurie and two children.  He continues writing and recording with his newest endeavor, Kick of the Rhino , still in production.

Over the years, Duncan Faure has been sure to leave his musical legacy. It tells a story of a peace loving man unwilling to compromise the integrity of the music.  With over 300 songs to his writing credit, he consistently delivers a fresh and solid sound.  No doubt there is still more to be discovered in this man's musical vault.

 A Man of A Thousand Dreams” © Mary Fortney. All rights reserved. 2007

References:
The History of Contemporary Music of South Africa-Toga Publishing, 1994 by: Garth Chilvers and Tom Jasiukowcz
"Like a Child Again" - by Silke Friedrich (Sunday Times Magazine - January 15, 1995)