D.K. Harrell - Talkin' Heavy

 

D.K. Harrell — Talkin' Heavy

Limited edition translucent blue vinyl

"Grown Now," is the first single from D.K. Harrell's Alligator Records debut, Talkin' Heavy. 

Still only 27 years old, Louisiana native D'Kieran Harrell has already cemented his status as one of the best contemporary blues artists. As a child he initially played harmonica, but soon switched to guitar, inspired by his major influence, B.B. King. By his mid-teens he was playing proficiently and writing his own songs. His 2023 debut album, The Right Man, won him The Blues Foundation's Blues Music Award as Best Emerging Artist. Extensive touring to rave reviews has burnished his reputation, and Talkin' Heavy will only embellish it more.

The album was produced by Kid Andersen, who adds rhythm guitar and co-wrote several of the songs. Keyboard expert Jim Pugh and bassist Andrew Moss are on each track, with percussion split between dynamos June Core and Derrick "D'Mar" Martin. A multiplicity of horn players appear, as do several distinguished vocalists including Alabama Mike, Cathy Lemons, and Tia Carroll. With such a crew, what could go wrong?

Nothing does. The dozen songs run the gamut from straight blues to rock to gospel-tinged, and all are replete with great musicianship and tantalizing riffs. There is serious intent, as in the title tune, which laments the perilous state of our nation. There is humor, with "PTLD," delineating the singer's ailment from post-traumatic love disorder. There is personal declaration, with "Grown Now." There is even a jazzy ballad, "Into The Room," with jaw-dropping drumming by D'Mar. (Keyboards and drums are terrific on every cut... as are the horns and backing singers.) The closing track, "Praise These Blues," is a full-throated assertion that gospel spirituals and blues, far from being antagonistic, are intimately intertwined.

Harrell excels on this album. His singing is spot on, both forceful and moving, but his maximum strength lies in his guitar mastery. On a couple of numbers, I hear the guitar influence of the late Son Seals. Echoes of B.B. King, as expected, are present on many tracks, particularly on "Life's Lessons," a slow blues occurring mid-set and in both its lyrics and music reflecting the wisdom and instrumental chops of a musician decades older.

Let's hope that we will be fortunate to enjoy D.K. Harrell's blues for many years to come. — Dan Stevens

 

1. A Little Taste

2. Grown Now

3. Talkin’ Heavy

4. Ptld

5. Life’s Lessons

6. Good Man

7. Vibe With Me

8. Into The Room

9. No Thanks To You

10. Liquor Stores And Legs

11. What Real Men Do

12. Praise These Blues

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