by Tom Baldino
This is the debut release from Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, a rising prodigy at 19 years old, he has impressed many in the blues world, including Billy Branch, who has taken him under his wing, ensuring this would be the terrific collection of tunes we have here. Of the twelve tracks, ten are original compositions, and all display his proficiency on both guitar and harmonica, as well as vocals. The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation honored him with an Emerging Artist scholarship in 2025, and one listen these tunes will confirm that he was an excellent choice. In addition to Billy Branch, who supplies the liner notes, such blues luminaries as “Kid” Anderson, on guitar, Jim Pugh on organ and piano, June Coreo on drums, Endre Tarczy and Daquantae “Q” Johnson sharing the bass duties, Larry Batiste on background vocals and horn arrangements, Arron Lington, on sax and Niel Levonius trumpet, lend more than able support. His manager, Matthew Skoller produced this effort, while “Kid” Anderson handled all other duties at his Greaseland Studios.
From Emerging Artist to Blues Prodigy
The opening track, “Tomorrow” starts off with the count down, “one, two, you know what to do,” and Rell certainly does, blowing some mean harp, singing with a voice that sounds well beyond his years, and playing guitar like a seasoned veteran on this up-tempo number. Another original, “Fatherless Child,” marries social commentary with a blues beat. His timely vocals and harp styling are enriched by some of “Kid” Andersons excellent fret work, on a subject that many young people can relate to, but not many could put in a song. “Spinning” employs some great horn charts that puts this in soul territory, and I dare you to keep from grooving to this number.
Original Tracks and Standout Collaborations
“Giving Me the Blues” is back to the raw blues, livened up with Jim Pugh’s organ accompanying Rell’s singing and his economical guitar. The instrumental “Richland Swing,” could have come out of a late 1940’s club gig with a room full jitterbugging patrons bopping along to some fiery guitar and soaring organ. With the tune awash in horns, it doesn’t get any better than this. “Hurt People, Hurt People” is slow swinging blues that again, delivers social commentary in the story of the cycle misery that generations get into. It is highlighted by Rell’s plaintive harp and Jim’s stark piano, again highlighting the depth of the lyrics.
Track Highlights: Social Commentary and Dynamic Covers
The lyrics of “I Be Tryin’” are autobiographical, and it sounds to me like Young Rell is trying to come to grips with his sudden success by putting it into the words and music. In my opinion, he has succeeded in letting the listener into his world, and hearing that harp, you know things will definitely work out for the best. Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War” is an interesting choice to cover. He wrote the lyrics after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and unfortunately, they ring as true today as they did over sixty years ago. I guess we know where Young Rell stands on the political spectrum. My only complaint here is that the music, while sounding great, doesn’t quite match the intensity of the lyrics. “I’ll Keep it Hot for You” finds the band in more familiar territory with some fine guitar surrounding entertaining lyrics while the band pushes forward as Rell lets the object of his desire know how he will take care of her.
A Deeply Personal and Powerful Debut
The other cover here, Fenton Robinson’s “I Hear Some Blues Downstairs,” is more in line with the overall feel of this collection. While reminiscent of the masters before him like T-Bone Walker, he keeps it fresh with his own distinct flair. My favorite track here is “Nite Creepin,’” where the full range of his considerable harp skills are on display, with the band lays down a groove that has undeniable appeal. Again, all his influences are heard and felt, but he makes this song his own. The last cut, “The World Don’t Deserve Your Smile,” is drenched in reverb and features some great guitar twang backed with Jim’s tinkling of the ivories, for a winning combination.
I can’t stress what an impressive debut this is, with a major talent in the making. The disc is available through the independent Little Village label.