THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Singer-guitarist and songwriter D.K. Harrell, one of the most formidable new artists in the current blues resurgence, sounds like no one else on the scene. With his stinging single-note string bends, deep soul vocals and attention-grabbing songs, the 27-year-old Harrell is already in a league of his own.
Now, with his new album Talkin’ Heavy, Harrell cements his place among the leading voices of the new blues generation. This Blues Music Award-winning guitarist with a soul man’s voice and a well-earned rep as a mesmerizing live performer delivers fresh, emotion-packed blues informed by the tradition he loves — and played with the foot-pounding fervor of a revival tent preacher.
Talkin’ Heavy continually surprises with 12 instantly memorable songs filled with Harrell’s biting guitar and authoritative, church-born vocals. Produced by studio wizard and musician Christoffer “Kid” Andersen and recorded at his Greaseland Studio, the album shows Harrell as a generational talent with a wide-eyed vision and a street-smart style bringing life to the timeless songs he’s writing. He goes deep on the title track, taking a hard look at his surroundings before declaring, “the world is just heavy with the blues.” From blazing album opener A Little Taste and the proud TCB anthem Grown Now to the feel-good groove of Vibe With Me ad the foot-stomping closer Praise These Blues, Talkin’ Heavy is an affirmation of the sheer power of modern blues.
Harrell was born in Ruston, Louisiana in 1998. He first heard B.B. King at age two and responded by singing along. He sang in his church choir while continuing to be drawn to the blues in films like The Blues Brothers, Cadillac Records and Ray. He got his first guitar at 12, and by 16 was writing songs. Inspired by King, Harrell studied every video he could find, learning not just King’s licks but also his tone, finesse, stage craft and leadership skills. Harrell’s first paying gig was as an invited guest to the B.B. King Symposium in Indianola, Mississippi — where he played The Thrill Is Gone on King’s iconic guitar Lucille, backed by members of King’s touring band.
In 2022, Harrell won the B.B. King Of The Blues Award for Preserving Traditional Blues Heritage from the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation. In addition to King, Harrell fell under the spell of blues masters like Albert King, Freddie King, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and others, and made their styles part of his musical vocabulary. His debut album, The Right Man, was released in 2023 to rave reviews and wildly excited fans. His massive, immediate success led him to win the prestigious Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist from The Blues Foundation.
Now, with Talkin’ Heavy, Harrell is ready to bring his new music to fans and peers. Using his expansive blues lexicon to create his own inimitable sound, Harrell is forging his own path with every performance he gives. As he explains, “The past gives a blueprint that you can add yourself to. I keep progressing by keeping all the genres in the mold. And I keep exposing my music to younger folks everywhere I go. I am hell-bent on crossing the blues over to a new generation of fans.” With a future as limitless as his talent, Harrell will be welcoming new fans to his music for generations to come.”
