Review: Kirk Fletcher ‘Heartache By The Pound’

By Martine Ehrenclou

Contemporary blues guitar hero Kirk Fletcher is regarded as one of the greatest players in the world. It’s not about speed or flashy fretwork for him—it’s about guitar mastery and deep rooted soulfulness. But his new album, Heartache By The Pound is not just about the blues, or guitar for that matter—it sparkles with compelling songs. Fletcher may be a bluesman, but he’s stretched into blues infused rock, gospel, funk and soul.

Singer, songwriter, guitarist Kirk Fletcher is set to release his seventh studio album Heartache By The Pound on July 29 via Ogierea Records. Recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL and produced by Fletcher, the album is stacked with musical heavyweights.

The ten tracks are mostly co-written by Kirk and long-time friend and collaborator Richard Cousins (The Robert Cray Band, Van Morrison) and two by the late famed songwriter Dennis Walker. Heartache By The Pound sees Fletcher and the all-star band comfortable in the skin of great songs.

Born in Los Angeles and now based in Nashville, Fletcher has earned five Blues Music Award nominations and worldwide acclaim from critics, peers and fans. After he built a foundation for the blues growing up in his father’s Compton church, Kirk launched into performing alongside an extensive list of iconic artists, from Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, and Hubert Sumlin to Kim Wilson, Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Bonamassa, The Mannish Boys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and many others.

Following Fletcher’s last album My Blues Pathway in 2020, his new release Heartache By The Pound includes Reese Wynans on keyboards, Terrence F. Clark on drums, Randy Bermudes and Travis Carlton on bass, Jade MacRae on backing vocals, Mark Pender on trumpet and Joe Sublett on sax. Kirk and the band are so together and tight, the record as a whole feels seamless with a broader range of styles that suits him well.

A fresh, joyful album opener, “Shine A Light On Love” grooves with swing and lush horns. Kirk’s smooth, innovative fretwork and soulful vocals combine with lovely harmonies. Stressed about world events? This feel-good track is your antidote.

“Afraid to Die, Too Scared to Live” is a blast of fresh air, blues influenced rock with Fletcher’s liquid magic on guitar. Contemplating life’s struggles with his soul-stirring vocal and inspired riffs, the song is uplifting with powered groove, a tight horn section, and a locked down band. Kirk’s guitar playing cuts with the inspiration of a true guitar master whose soulfulness packs an understated wallop. If we could all play guitar like this, the world would be a better place.

Listen to “Afraid To Die, Too Scared To Live”

 

A personal album for Fletcher, the title track reveals his experience during the pandemic while living in Switzerland. He brings more soul to the mix on this laid back groove that’s rich with horns. “So easy to be lost, so hard to be found,” he sings. “Blues music comforts you,” he explains. “We all go through heartache but we have people like myself who make music to help us through.” Truth right there.

Albert King’s “Night By Myself” gets the Fletcher groove treatment. The band with standout bass, falls into a catchy rhythm that calls your name from the dance floor. Fletcher’s riffs are innovative, warm, and downright inspiring.

Gritty blues-rock enters the picture with “Wrapped up, Tangled In The Blues” a rocking tune with gritty guitar tones and Kirk digging deep on vocals. You learn a lot about him from this one. His guitar speaks like a voice,  a collection of them, all with different inflections. Backing singers give this winner a gospel flair. It’s all about the rhythm.

Don’t miss “Wrong Kind Of Love” and “Wildcat Tamer.”

The record closes with “Hope For Us”, a moving R&B ballad of heartbreak. It has an anthemic feel with lovely chord changes and Fletcher going all out on vocals. A beautiful song, it rises to a crescendo with stunning guitar playing, emotion in every single note.

Highly recommended.

Pre-order link for Heartache By The Pound See Here