While we pride ourselves on having achieved independence from them almost 240 years ago, sometimes we still need the Brits to show us the way. A case in point: Atlanta’s singer/songwriter and guitarist Curtis Harding.
While we pride ourselves on having achieved independence from them almost 240 years ago, sometimes we still need the Brits to show us the way. A case in point: Atlanta’s singer/songwriter and guitarist Curtis Harding.
Released last May with little fanfare here in the States, Curtis’s debut album, Soul Power -- a delightful mix of bluesy Southern soul, occasional indie rock, and old school R&B -- caught the attention of music reviewers immediately in the UK upon its release in January and has earned significant critical acclaim. (This reviewer shamefully admits that, had he not scanned the back pages of Mojo’s music reviews, Curtis would have entirely evaded his music radar.) Soul Power is a real album that takes you on a journey with the artist, and it is difficult to pick any one track to feature here. That said, the ethereal, reverb-drenched “Castaway” is a favorite, as is the live-for-European radio performance of “Keep on Shining.” Have a listen to Curtis, who should have been on our “Best of 2014” list had we only known of him!
By Robb Patryk