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💿 ALBUM REVIEW: D.K. Harrell - Live Your Dream - Talkin' Heavy

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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.  🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM (Click the Track Number) ▶ Listen to Album Samples - Click the track number (Click to Expand) Add this Record to Your Collection Available in CD/Vinyl and Digital Formats. 🛒 Buy Album on Amazon Store As an Amazon Associate, Bman earns from qualifying purchases. The Deep Dive 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...
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💿 ALBUM REVIEW: Ronnie Baker Brooks - Blues In My DNA

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Ronnie Baker Brooks is a powerhouse Chicago blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who carries the torch of a legendary musical lineage. Born into blues royalty as the son of Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie didn’t just inherit the music—he lived it. He cut his teeth learning directly from master icons like B.B. King, Albert Collins, and Willie Dixon. Today, the multiple Blues Music Award winner seamlessly blends authentic Chicago roots with a high-octane mix of rock, funk, and soul. “I’m blessed to have learned from the best,” Brooks says. “I’m carrying them within me.”

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▶ Listen to Album Samples (Click to Expand)

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Available on CD and in Digital Formats.

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As an Amazon Associate, Bman earns from qualifying purchases.
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The Deep Dive

The continuation of Chicago blues is firmly carried in the grip of Ronnie Baker Brooks. With his 2024 release, Blues In My DNA, Brooks marked an monumental milestone: his official debut on the historic Alligator Records roster—the precise label that carried his legendary father, Lonnie Brooks, to worldwide attention. Produced by studio icon Jim Gaines, the 11-track collection bursts with explosive guitars, brass arrangements, and personal storytelling.
Opening with I'm Feeling You, Brooks on lead guitar and vocal, blends blues rock with a funky bottom courtesy of Dave Smith and Steve Potts on drums providing a great venue for his fiery guitar licks.  On My Love Will Make You Do Right, Brooks shows real radio panache with a strong melody and R&B bottom.

With Rick Steff on electric piano and Clayton Ivey on B3 the track has just the right combination of vocal and hot riffs to make this track sail. Gritty rocker, All True Man  has a thumping bottom courtesy  Potts, and Steff on piano nicely supports Brooks' vocal efforts and provides a solid platform for his towering bends. Very nice. Stuck On Stupid absolutely floors me. Brooks plays an excellent guitar intro with a gritty tone full blast into a small amp giving his that saturated tone. His vocals are well phrased and rich, trading call and response with his accent guitar riffs. Winding up the band, he kicks it into high gear with suspended bends and quick riffs, celebrating with hollers of excitement. Bringing it down, he's back with excellent vocals and hammer-ons keeping the tension up before letting it all loose again. Another frenzy of meaty guitar phrasing and yelps of satisfaction, Brooks really delivers on this one! Wrapping the release is up tempo, My Bod, a bouncing "Wolf" style romp. With strong, gritty vocals and excellent lead work, backed by Will McFarlane on rhythm guitar, and Steff on piano, this is a strong closer for a really strong release.  
🎵 View Ronnie Baker Brooks Full Discography & Amazon Store Links Click to Expand / Collapse
Album Title (Click to View on Amazon) Record Label Accreditation Year
Blues In My DNA Alligator Records Ronnie Baker Brooks 2024
Times Have Changed Provogue / Mascot Ronnie Baker Brooks 2017
The Torch Watchdog Records Ronnie Baker Brooks 2006
Take Me Witcha Watchdog Records Ronnie Baker Brooks 2001
Golddigger Watchdog Records Ronnie Baker Brooks 1998
 

Watch Ronnie Baker Brooks play: Blues In My DNA


Another strong release from Brooks!

Bman's Verdict

A solid helping of great blues from one of the masters. Stuck On Stupid is one not to miss!


Label: Alligator Records

Released: October 11, 2024

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