Debut album from DK Harrell introduces another young artist establishing himself as one of the best of a new crop of bluesmen.

Release Date: 20th June 2025

Label: Alligator Records

Format: CD / LP / digital

By the age of 12 most lads on this side of the pond are probably more likely influenced by a sporting hero and copying their skills on the field of play but DK Harrell was developing his style based on his hero BB King. The youthful dreamer in his teens was already composing and even even had the opportunity to play using his infamous ‘Lucille’ guitar. No small wonder that DK is now blazing a trail himself and at the age of 27 inspiring youngsters to play like him.

His style of playing bears much resemblance to his hero: searing single notes, powerful, soulful yet danceable blues. We are accustomed and honoured to have access to highly proficient blues artists from Alligator Records and once again another breakthrough artist gets his chance to record under the label and join the illustrious stable of premier artists.

lessons from the master

Indeed Life’s Lesson shows how much he has learned from his chosen master as it is pure BB, with strong brassy accompaniment, shimmering keyboards, subtle guitar fills anda heart stirring solo of the highest quality. Not one over played note.

The opening track A Little Taste is more than that, as it lets the cat out of the bag big style on what we can expect from the rest of the album. Like a strong opening number at a live gig, it gets us in the blues mood and gets the blues buds flowing.

After that it’s just one top class number after another. There’s some subtlety in his voice too as the opening to Good Man displayed in the gentle piano opening where he sings along gently. He then ups the tempo to a solid blues rocker but suddenly reprises the beginning before a storming finish ends the song as it began.

Into The Room reveals his funkiness, No Thanks To You his big band soulful side and Praise The Blues his gospel influence. The more standard blues format he displays on Into The Room and No Thanks To You see his BBinfluences and inspiration comes through the strongest. The whole album experience feels similar to when BB King was first discovered. It’s a revelation that I hope young blues listeners can latch onto and takes as heir own inspiration.

This ambitious artist is clearly on a mission. With his aim being “hell-bent on crossing the blues over to a new generation of fans,” he is surely well on the way to achieving this.

Here’s The Right Man:

DK Harrell online: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube / other

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