Hailing from Spain, but recorded in Mexico City at Primitivo studio and produced by Crunchy Acapulco, guitarist of the Mexican surf band Lost Acapulco.

Reborn Wild is the debut album of Anna Dukke.

Behind her stage name is Ana Duque Fernández, singer and songwriter. She was born in A Coruña, but grew up in Castilla-La Mancha, in the south of the province of Ciudad Real, in rural areas of Sierra Morena, where she began to forge her link with roots music.

Self-taught on the guitar and singing, she went through popular groups such as The Black Grapes, before consolidating her own project as Anna Dukke, focused on gospel, Rhythm & Blues, Delta Blues, Rockabilly, soul and country. Her career took a leap with two extended stays in the United States and a trip to Mexico, where she absorbed first-hand the atmosphere of churches, clubs and southern farms. She has performed in venues of the North American blues and roots circuit, especially in Texas and Clarksdale.

In 2022 she recorded her first EP, ‘Broken Chains’, produced by Murcian guitarist Al Dual and released on 7″ vinyl by the Madrid label FOLC Records. She followed this in 2024 with ‘Black Honey’, produced by Ely Agramunt and also released by FOLC, with four songs where she combined her own compositions and a version of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

At the end of 2024 she released ‘Rockin’ Roots’, a compilation album on CD that brings together both EPs and adds two unreleased songs, ‘Hello Baby’ and ‘Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho’.

Reborn Wild kicks off with Belong To Me. This track begins furiously with superb musicianship, with a prominent electric bass. There are strong vocals with an accent that sounds east European rather than typically Spanish. Her studio band consists of Kurt HG on drums, Danny Bandido on lead guitar and Javi Martinez on bass, alongside herself on vocals and rhythm guitar.

‘Burn’ has a simple riff, with a top vocal workout for Anna.

‘My Honey One’ is a nice blues number that nicely reveals the gravel in Anna’s voice. In many ways her voice is reminiscent of Shawna from the Hi-Jivers.

‘New Roll’ has a very nice groove with some splendid inflections in Anna’s vocal track.

‘Honky Tonk Gal’ is a blues-based number that also has a great groove and some excellent lead playing. 

‘Nasty Pox’ is an instrumental.

‘N340’ is another blues workout.

‘That Ain’t Going to Work’ is a bluesy stroller with an excellent vocal performance from Anna.

‘Wait For Me’ is groovy blues.

‘Drift Alone’ is dominated by Anna’s soulful vocal.

Anna describes what she does as ‘Rockin’Roots’ and the description seems apt. The title of the album is also significant, Anna states: ‘After struggling, not fitting in, and feeling alone for so long, I’m finally making exactly the music I want to make ten songs. No compromises. All truth.’ This is a fine debut record.

Nick Kemp

Buy a copy of ‘Reborn Wild’ here