💿 ALBUM REVIEW: D.K. Harrell - Live Your Dream - Talkin' Heavy
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter D.K. Harrell, one of the most formidable young stars of the current blues resurgence, sounds like no one else on the scene today. With his stinging, single note string bending, deep soul vocals, and attention grabbing original songs, the 27 year old Harrel - a major draw at blues festivals around the world is already in a league of his own.
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Available in CD/Vinyl and Digital Formats.
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Bursting into the release with a stinging guitar intro on A Little Taste, D.K. Harrell has a no holds barred approach with trem bends that will set you shaking. His vocals are rich and real backed by Aaron Lington on bari sax, Russ Bryant on tenor sax, John Dupre on trumpet, June Core on drums, Vicki Randle om percussion, Kid Andersen on rhythm guitar and super organ support by Jim Pugh. Strong opener. Slinky title track, Talkin' Heavy, has the bottom of a fat Albert King track, but instead of AK's smoking guitar lead, Pugh rolls with great piano riffs and Harrell lays back on terrific vocals and more tame yet effective guitar riffs creating a dialog of his own. D'Mar on drums, works with Andrew Moss on bass and Mike Rinta on trombone and Niel Levonius on trumpet gives the track a hot sound. Laying way back on Life's Lessons, Harrell takes more of a BB King approach setting up the melody on vocal and chasing his vocal with easy paced guitar phrasing. Lington and Dupre are joined by Terry Hanck on tenor sax leading to a nicely phrased guitar solo in the style of "the king", closing this soulful track with plenty of heart.
Vibe With Me is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a nice easy shuffle pace. I can almost see BB standing there with Lucille across his chest singing and punching into his hand as he did. Harrell has his own vocal richness surrounded by Eric Spaulding on tenor sax, Levonious on trumpet, Rinta on trombone Lington on bari and tenor sax with excellent drumming by Core, Pugh on organ, Kid on rhythm and Moss on bass. Harrell has no loss for ideas when he lets his 345 do the talking. Strong. Shuffle, Liquor Stores And Legs has a great tempo with Harrell setting the melody on vocal and chased by Levonius, Rinta and Lington. His guitar phrasing on this track is particularly appealing with a a snappy bottom by Core and Moss that's bound to keep your heel stomping. Wrapping the release is spiritually charged, Praise These Blues, with Harrel belting out the blues, his fingers literally dancing on the frets. Vocal backing by Lisa Leuschner Andersen, Tia Carroll, Cathy Lemons, Alabama Mike, Anthony Boyd and Deb Lubin really sets this track in a joyful moment. Excellent closer.
Really solid release by Harrell that'll leave you thirsty for more!
Bman's VerdictStrong release and great debut on Alligator for Mr. Harrell! Congrats! |
Label: Alligator Records Released: June 20, 2025 |
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