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Darrell Nulisch - Just For You - Severn Records 2009
Dallas, Texas' Darrell Nulisch returns for his fith Severn Records release with Just For You, another offering showcasing Nulisch's Soul Blues belting and harp excellence. The ten track disc earned Nulisch two nominations at th upcoming 2010 Blues Music Awards for Soul Blues Album and Soul Blues Artist of the Year. It's a distinction that comes to no surprise to Nulisch's fans and supporters, who've known about his talent for decades.The ten-song album kicks off with Nulisch and company grooving through "You Don't Know Me," letting all of the "haters" know that there's more in store for this Bluesman (Lyrics like "You gave me a label that just won't stick." really drive the point home on this great opener.) Nulisch has a big sound. Between his powerful vocal and the rather large band that backs him (horn section and full backing vocals along with the guitar, drum, bass, keys, percussion lineup), there are plenty of layers on Just For You. "The Woman Don't Live Here No More" is an extremely well written slow jam with rich horns and a smooth guitar solo from Johnny Moeller. "Work For Love" is in the vein of Nulisch's hero Al Green, preaching the gospel of getting out what you put into the love game. The title track follows with a gorgeous sound filled with the horn section almost wrapping around Nulisch's vocal. It's also the real first display of Darrell Nulisch's harmonica playing on the CD, keeping the solo low and slow, complimenting the track very nicely. Nulisch co-wrote six of Just For You's ten tracks, including the last five on the disc, beginning with "Just A Little Blues." Nulisch shares those writing credits with Bassist Steve Gomes. The pair also wrote the album's opening track, "You Don't Know Me." "Just A Little Blues" is another standout track on Just For You. I remember I featured this album on my show's "Johnny's Mailbox" segment, which spotlights new music arrivals. I chose this song to play for the folks listening and got some very positive feedback. Benjie Porecki's organ flows through the song like blood through the veins, keeping the track moving along smoothly; while Moeller's guitar is crisp, crying above Nulish's Blues drenched vocals. The tempo picks up with "Far Too Lonely" one of only a few upbeat songs peppered into the slow and mid-tempo music on Just For You. That's followed up with "All the Love We Had" a crawling, 70's style ballad with Moeller plugging in the wah-wah. I don't want to use the term "wall of sound," but this tune builds and builds until you're faced with a sonic flood at it's end. Nulisch rounds out the album with "Let A Woman Be A Woman" and "Natural Thing." The first of those songs, "Let A Woman Be A Woman," being another fast paced scorcher that keeps you moving with a constant tambourine rhythm chiming out above everything else. "Natural Thing" sounds like something that could have easily fit into the Otis Redding songbook. Severn Records bills themselves as "Roots Music For the 21st Century," but they can just as easily stake their claim as Soul Blues for a new generation, carrying on the traditions of men like Otis Clay and others with both Nulisch and label-mate Tad Robinson. If you get down with the 60's and 70's Soul sound, then Just For You is a great new-school dose of that old-school flavor. It's a great album to relax to, or maybe put on when you've got some time alone with your partner. This is a great CD. Standout Tracks: "Just A Little Blues," "The Woman Don't Live Here No More," and "Natural Thing," Click On the Widget To Purchase Darrell Nulisch's New Album, Just For You Have A Blues Review Of Your Own?Are You Excited About This Release? Have You Heard This CD Yet? We Want Your Opinion! Share It With Us!
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