The Dukes of Charteris formed in 2019, when guitarist-singer Robert Wills met drummer Bill Miron at the Hooley in the Hall, a song circle at the Anglican Hall in Shawville. Bill had done his apprenticeship in 'fast country' with Art Fraser. The two were joined by woodworker, tattoo artist and multi-instrumentalist Tom Fishel, playing saxophone, harmonica and electric banjo. Robert and Tom, both American by birth, Canadian by choice had played and recorded together off and on over 45 years, most notably in Burning Bush. Clifford Welsh answered the call for a singing bass player, bringing his west coast experience in folk and rock music. This lineup has been stable for around three years, playing at various venues in Pontiac County. The Dukes' songlist includes rock n roll, rhythm and blues, reggae and folk rock songs from the 60s and 70s, sprinkled with original songs which reflect those roots. The attitude is to treat each song as an original, so their performance is a Dukified version, rather than a cover.