D.K. Harrell — “The Right One” — Little Village
D.K. Harrell’s new album is full of self-assured, musically astute and lyrically confident original blues music.
And it’s just his first album. And … he’s just 25.
Harrell’s sound isn’t entirely original, though, which makes it like so much of the blues, built on the layers of the music that has come before him.
“My sound now is a gumbo of Guitar Slim, BB King, Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, Freddie King, Grant Green, Django Reinhardt, and a few others,” Harrell says in an interview on the Michael Limnios Blues Network. “The foundation of my playing and tone is BB King style, I feel many players can hit B.B. King licks but getting that warm but bright tone and vibrato can be a challenge even for myself.”
It’s not too much of a challenge, though, as his music on this album so aptly demonstrates. Harrell shows a finesse beyond his years; his songwriting is sharp, his vocals are strong and mature, and his guitar work is dazzling.
From the first track, the title song “The Right Man,” Harrell takes command on a sturdy shuffle with tough vocals and guitar work that’s a pure joy to hear. “You’re A Queen” follows and adds background vocals that add another dimension to his own vocals.
“Get These Blues Out Of Me” offers up a slow blues that simmers with down-home flavor. “You’d Be Amazed” struts with a funky beat behind vocal shouts and stinging guitar licks. “While I’m Young” rocks ever so tightly in what might well be a very personal statement of musical purpose.
“Not Here For A Long Time Pts. 1 and 2” says he’s just “here for a good time” and introduces band members who make their own musical statements in a delicious romp. The two parts are separated by “Hello Trouble,” (“Trouble comes with a smile and real short dress…”), another deep blues kicked into high gear by razor-sharp horns, exuberant vocals and fierce guitar work.
“Honey Ain’t So Sweet” opens with a strong guitar flourish and combines a rich blend of instrumental backup with sly lyrics delivered in style. “Leave It At The Door” (“Life’s just too short for wasted tears…”) features a backup chorus of bandmates, and the closer, “One For The Road” kicks off with a gorgeous organ-drenched intro, then shifts into an upbeat farewell that keeps the organ rocking up front, adding still more sizzling guitar.
Harrell’s first album sounds more like the work of an accomplished blues veteran than a first-time effort. With his world-wise songwriting, elegant guitar work, uncannily on-target vocals and the great band behind him (with a shoutout to Kid Andersen’s Greaseland studios), D.K. Harrell shows that he’s a major talent to be reckoned with on the blues stage.
Here’s a very thorough and informative interview with Harrell at Blues Gr, home of the Michael Limnios Blues Network.
Here’s the title track, “The Right Man”:
Track list:
01. The Right Man
02. You’re A Queen
03. Get These Blues Out Of Me
04. You’d Be Amazed
05. While I’m Young
06. Not Here For A Long Time Pt. 1
07. Hello Trouble
08. Not Here For A Long Time Pt. 2
09. Honey Ain’t So Sweet
10. Leave It At The Door
11. One For The Road
Blues Roadhouse 