King Solomon Hicks

Band: King Solomon Hicks
Label: Provogue
Title: Harlem

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Band:King Solomon Hicks
Title:Harlem
Reviewed By:Dave Goodwin
Date Published:10/04/2020

Label:Provogue
Format:CD
Release Year:2020
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This new outing from King Solomon Hicks has been produced by multiple Grammy Award winner Kirk Yano, who has worked with hip hop and soul/R&B greats like Miles Davis, Public Enemy and Mariah Carey. Some big names there to impress the listeners of this nice little package which showcases Hicks as a writer, player and interpreter. Hicks himself grew up in Harlem in New York, also surrounded by some huge names. His upbringing in that neighbourhood and amidst that wealth of talent seems to have paid off for him because ‘Harlem’ feels like an eleven-song salute to the folk he grew up alongside and with whom he has honed his considerable talent.

The still young guitarist and singer created his own fierce and distinctive style because of it. As soon as you hear the man sing, it’s unbelievable to think he is just 24 years old. He has been playing for nine years. He started at the New Amsterdam Music Association a 105 year old jazz house in Harlem before being accepted into the Manhattan School of Music’s pre-college program. He then went on to the Harlem School of the Arts, eventually appearing in several newspapers, magazines and on various TV shows.

This offering is drenched in blues originals such as the roadhouse ready '421 South Main', the gospel shuffle of 'Have Mercy on Me' and the aching instrumental 'Riverside Drive', but the album also sports musical staples such as 'Everyday I Have the Blues', 'It's Alright' and a Latin-tinged take on the Al Kooper-penned classic 'I Love You More Than You Will Ever Know'. There is a searing rendition of Sonny Boy Williamson's 'Help Me' which closes the album. Give this one a close listen and I guarantee you will make Hicks out to be way older than his 24 years. It is that thick and syrupy soaked in the blues.

Track Listing:

01) I'd Rather Be Blind
02) Every Day I Have The Blues
03) What The Devil Loves
04) 421 South Main
05) I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know
06) Headed Back To Memphis
07) Love Is Alive
08) Have Mercy On Me
09) Riverside Drive
10) It's Alright
11) Help Me

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Stunning album from 24-year old blues guitarist and vocalist King Solomon Hicks on which he pays tribute to his Harlem upbringing

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Harlem - CD
Stunning album from 24-year old blues guitarist and vocalist King Solomon Hicks on which he pays tribute to his Harlem upbringing

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