Back To Reviews page

Darrell Nulisch - Goin’ Back to Dallas

Severn Records

www.darrellnulisch.com

Run Time: 40:33

Since his debut as one of the original members of Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets in 1978, Darrell Nulisch’s laid-back, soulful approach to Texas Blues has earned him respect in the Blues world. On his fourth release, Nulisch returns to his roots with Goin’ Back to Dallas.

Merging the sounds of Texas and Memphis with the grit of Chicago, Nulisch dishes up some of the most bare bones cuts of his illustrious career. Four of the eleven tracks cut live in the studio are originals from the pen of Nulisch and long-time writing partner/bass player Steve Gomes.

Nulisch enlists fellow Texan Johnny Moeller for another round of great traditional Texas guitar. Moeller, Robb Stupka and Gomes seem to be the house band for Severn Records and haven’t turned in a poor performance yet.

Ripping through Texas classics like Albert Collins “Blue Monday”, two classics from the original John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson, Freddie King’s “Play It Cool,” the underappreciated Jimmy Reed classic “Shame Shame Shame,” and the Junior Wells staple “Come On In This House,” Nulisch reworks the arrangements to fit his soulful Texas blues vocals and harp.

The album sounds safe and fun but there is nothing that completely stands out here. It’s straight ahead and it is what it is. If you’re a traditional blues fan, you’ll like it. Nulisch and company may sound a little boring and run together to a non-traditional fan. However, you can’t knock Nulisch for his excellent vocals and more than adequate harp. The lyrical motifs may be old but sometimes, like an old pair of shoes, they still fit well.

Ben Cox is a Blues Songwriter, Musician, DJ and Journalist.

To submit a review or interview please contact: