D.K. Harrell - Talkin' Heavy

Release date: June 20, 2025

Alligator Records

By Mark Thompson

photo by: Dianne Bruce Dunklau

Talk about hitting the ground running! Guitarist D.K. Harrell released his first album, The Right Man, two years ago on the Little Village Foundation label. It instantly garnered critical praise from all corners, ultimately earning Harrell the 2024 Blues Music Award in the Best Emerging Artist Album category. Along with his tight band of talented young musicians, he has been traveling the globe playing at many of the most prestigious blues festivals, earning new fans at each one with his dynamic stage presence and compelling music. 

Taking the next step, Harrell signed a deal with Bruce Iglauer and his famous Alligator Record label. While the guitarist has steadily raised his profile, being with Alligator brings additional marketing power, leading to bookings like his recent coveted appearance at the 2025 Chicago Blues Festival.

If you have had the pleasure of seeing Harrell live, you already know that he is one of the finest artists in a growing list of younger black blues musicians. During his formative years, he idolized B.B. King, certainly a fine role model. His new release makes it abundantly clear that he has progressed far beyond mere imitation. His assured vocals and vibrant guitar licks wrapped around his commanding original songs make this record a delight from start to finish.

The opener, “A Little Taste,” finds Harrell laying down some taut guitar licks that recall the Albert Collins sound over a funky groove set up by Andrew Moss on bass and June Core on drums. Strong accents from the horn section and the cool sounds of Jim Pugh on organ highlight Harrell's pleading vocal as he tries to catch the attention of a desirable woman. On the next track, “Grown Now,” he celebrates some of his success, fully aware that he is not “green” any more, proud to be a self-made man.

The title track is another highlight, with the singer bemoaning the state of the world, his voice fraught with urgent concern, reflected in his stirring guitar solo. The B.B. King influence is apparent on “PTLD,” a clever saga about a man with “post traumatic love disorder,” a disease that has left him emotionally crippled. The sprightly pace of the song only partially offsets the seriousness of the situation. The pace slows on “Life's Lessons,” as Terry Hanck's subtle saxophone fills answer Harrell's poignant musings on the meaning of our time on this planet.

Pugh authored “Good Man,” which has a delicate opening segment before exploding into a soulful romp with gospel overtones. Harrell lays down another outstanding vocal turn, getting assistance from Lisa Leuschner Andersen, Tia Carroll, and Cathy Lemons on backing vocals. “No Thanks To You” is a smoldering late-night lament with Harrell's vulnerability on full display, cushioned by Nikki Welch on cello plus Don Dally on violin and viola.

The project was recorded at Greaseland Studios USA, the workshop of producer Kid Andersen, who continues to turn out some of the finest sounding blues albums out there. He also plays rhythm guitar throughout the project. His band-mate from Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Derrick “D'Mar” Martin, fills the drum chair on six songs. The majority of the horn playing is courtesy of Aaron Lington on flute, baritone and tenor sax, Mike Rinta on trombone, and Niel Levonius on trumpet.

Other highlights include “Liquor Stores And Legs,” an ode celebrating two key elements in Harrel's planned late night revelry. It flows along in high gear, spurred on by the leader's fervent vocal. “Into The Room” finds Harrell trying to get next to a captivating woman as the band lays down a soothing Latin-tinged groove. The singer is at his best on “What Real Men Do,” proudly declaring that he will be the man every woman dreams of, promising plenty of love, laughter, and attention, even promising to put his phone on silent. He then backs his pledge up with a scintillating six-string workout.

The album closes with another venture to that place where blues and gospel intersect. Harrell sermonizes like a Sunday preacher on “Praise These Blues,” calling all of the blues fans home in a rousing finish that just might inspire you to get on your feet to share in the joy!

Anyone who has fears about the future of blues music needs to hear this record. D.K Harrell proves at every turn that he is a master of vocalizing, guitar playing and songwriting. He shares his joys and sorrows with an almost intoxicating, palpable level of energy that will uplift your spirit. This album is a remarkable achievement. If it is indicative of what we can expect from the younger generation, we just may be headed to another golden age in the history of blues music. Highly recommended!

About the Author: Mark Thompson lives in Bradenton, Florida and is the past president of the Suncoast Blues Society. A former Chicago area native, he also acted as the president of Rockford/Byron's Crossroads Blues Society. Thompson writes for many blues publications and served on the Board for the Blues Foundation in Memphis, which hosts the annual Blues Music Awards and International Blues Challenge events.

To stream or purchase the album: https://www.alligator.com/albums/Talkin-Heavy-CD/

Artist website: https://dkblues.com/

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