D.K. Harrell at California Center for the Arts, Escondido

D.K. HARRELL along with Taryn Donath

on sale 12/5/2025 at 10am

D.K. Harrell

Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter D.K. Harrell, one of the most formidable young stars of the current blues resurgence, sounds like no one else on the scene today. With his stinging, single-note string bending, deep soul vocals, and attention-grabbing original songs, the 27-year-old Harrell—a major draw at blues festivals around the world—is already in a league of his own.
Now, with his Alligator Records debut album, Talkin’ Heavy, D.K. Harrell cements his place among the leading voices of the new generation of blues players. This Blues Music Award-winning guitarist with a soul man’s voice and a well-earned reputation 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 twelve instantly memorable original songs filled with Harrell’s biting guitar work and authoritative, church-born vocals. Produced by studio wizard and musician Christoffer “Kid” Andersen and recorded at Andersen’s now-famous Greaseland Studio, the album shows Harrell as a generational guitar talent with a wide-eyed vision and a street-smart singing 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 to the proudly taking-care-of-business Grown Now to the feel-good groove of Vibe With Meto the foot-stomping closer Praise These Blues, Talkin’ Heavy is an affirmation of the sheer power of modern blues.

With every exuberant turn of phrase, and each sharp guitar lick, the Louisiana born showman displays a pure joy in performing that’s hard to resist. Talkin’ Heavy combines all manner of sounds in one supremely satisfying, engaging package…robust yet relaxed singing and fluid yet piercing fretwork. Ultimately, Harrell’s greatest talent is just being his own larger-than-life self.
–No Depression

The tube-cookin’, Louisiana-bred guitarist brings the sizzle to Talkin’ Heavy, his new album of Delta-meets-Chicago blues. Harrell makes his mark by wringing every ounce of emotion from a single note before extending the thought with the first of many lyrical, slow-burning, well-crafted guitar solos.
–Guitar World

Talkin’ Heavy is the joyous sound of a one-man revival. Harrell’s vocals are smooth yet forceful, and his authoritative guitar work — stinging and soulful leads that serve as memorable songs within songs — hits the sweet spot every time.
–Guitar Player

Jubilantly raucous, musically adventurous, biting and exploratory…enriched by unselfconscious virtuosity…a leading light of the younger generation of the younger generation of blues artists
–Living Blues

D.K. Harrell is a fast-rising blues dynamo…One of the most talented and exciting young blues artists to emerge in decades.
–San Diego Union Tribune

TARYN DONATH DUO

An accomplished musician who has been performing professionally for over 25 years, Taryn has an incredibly commanding performance style….each live performance is exciting and spontaneous. Her piano playing is tenacious and purposeful, while her voice is smooth, sultry, and unique to her. Taryn lights up the stage every
time she plays.

Currently, Taryn has been performing as a duo with a drummer… Fresh, unique and exciting the two play anything from 60’s soul jazz, funk, jump/swing, Latin, and their own term of beatnik blues taking the listener on a musical adventure. With an unwavering left hand, a right hand that weaves in and out effortlessly, and a backbeat as solid as a rock, theDuo has a sound larger than life.
Each performance is different from the last, capturing the moods of the players. The two are not bound by rules, but instead have a desire to express their own musical voice and deliver something captivating.

“I look forward to creating something unique each time I play.”- Taryn