Review: D.K. Harrell 'The Right Man'

Review: D.K. Harrell ‘The Right Man’

By Mike O’Cull

25-year-old blues phenomenon D.K. Harrell raises every roof in town on his debut album The Right Man.

Available now on the Little Village Foundation imprint, The Right Man comes across like the work of a lifetime blues master in possession of all the wisdom the music has to offer. He’s an outstanding singer and guitarist with a big-league presence and the kind of intuitive skills you just don’t hear every day. Harrell tracked The Right Man at Kid Andersen’s esteemed Greaseland Studios with Andersen and Grammy winners Jerry Jemmott, Jim Pugh, and Tony Coleman backing him up.

With this much combined talent, the record couldn’t be anything short of amazing and it exceeds that mark considerably. Harrell is just the kind of young, committed artist the blues world needs to keep its traditions alive while also connecting with a modern audience.

Hailing from Ruston, Louisiana, D. K. Harrell has always been all about the blues. He discovered the music as he was hitting his teenage years and quickly made becoming a bluesman his mission in life. This set him apart from most of his peers back then and still does now. “I’m Black, I’m young and the music I like is blues,” he said. “How much do you think I have in common with people my age?”

Since embarking on his blues journey, Harrell has been building a solid career. He has performed at the B.B. King Symposium, placed third in the 2022 International Blues Challenge, and shred stages with important artists including Gary Clark Jr. Mr. Sipp, the Tedeschi -Trucks Band, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. He also tours both in the USA and overseas, winning new fans wherever he goes.

From the first notes of the opening track and title song “The Right Man,” Harrell is clearly blue beyond his years. The tune is a righteous shuffle that tells a story of love gone wrong and Harrell sings it loud and proud. His voice is an immediate attention-getter and he soars over the studio band like a star. Harrell also shines on guitar, ripping off licks and phrases with an ease that takes most players decades to attain.

“You’re A Queen” is a mid-speed funk jam dedicated to all the women in the world. The pocket here is absolutely perfect and gives DK. the foundation he needs to sing and play with abandon and joy. Some sweet background vocals add some extra heat to the track and you better listen to the very end of it to catch Harrell’s tight, muted guitar lines on the fade-out.

The slow, minor key blues “Get These Blues Out Of Me” is slick and lowdown. Harrell employs a string section on it in the mold of B.B. King’s eternal “The Thrill Is Gone” and it gives the song a sophisticated sound and texture. Harrell is in full control of his blues here and walks a brilliant path between old and new sounds. The band puts the beat down just right behind him and makes this one a true can’t-miss situation.

“Hello Trouble” is horn-drenched from the downbeat and puts a strong, slow groove underneath Harrell’s expressive vocals and relatable lyrics. Harrell’s songwriting here and throughout the album is worldly and wise. He tells stories and speaks truths that many people will hear themselves in with a refreshing lack of cliché or pretense. Like all great blues artists, Harrell communicates directly with the hearts and souls of his fans.

The Right Man is a blast from end to end and invites us into what has to be the blues party of the year. D.K. Harrell is an absolute beast on all levels and has a bright future ahead. Get in on it now so you don’t miss a single note.

“The Right Man”