KIRK FLETCHER – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & ALBUM REVIEW

Kirk Fletcher is an amazing blues guitarist and songwriter that currently resides in Nashville via Los Angeles. His seventh studio album entitled Heartache By The Pound was recently released. It immediately received critical acclaim from listeners and critics alike. The new record is by far Fletcher’s strongest and most personal to date. Heartache By The Pound  features dynamic vocals, powerful songs and spicy guitar work.

During the pandemic Fletcher resided in Switzerland. There he wrote new songs remotely with long time friend, the legendary bassist Robert Cousins (The Robert Cray Band/Van Morrison). As soon as the lockdown ended he headed for the hollowed ground of Fame Studios located in Muscle Shoals. He assembled a group of outstanding musicians for a three day recording marathon. Included in the mix were keyboardist Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughan/John Mayall), drummer Terrence F. Clark (Robert Cray/Joss Stone) and backing vocalist Jade MacRae (Joe Bonamassa). On bass Fletcher enlisted Travis Carlton (Sara Bareilles) and Randy Bermudes (Fabulous Thunderbirds). On horns he drafted Mark Pender (Bruce Springsteen) on trumpet and Joe Sublett (Bonnie Raitt) on sax.

Speaking about his recording sessions, Fletcher stated :

“Fame is the mother church for soul music. It’s the same building where all these fantastic people like Otis Rush and Aretha Franklin have recorded. I wanted the vibe. I needed to bring these songs there”.

Heartache By The Pound contains ten superb tracks. Each song is a melodic bombardment of sublime blues accompanied by a massive hit of funky soul. Fletcher’s guitar contains that prefect pitch that easily captures any true blues fan’s heart. The entire album has an esoteric aura. In addition, Fletcher‘s vocals deliver an immense dose of warmth. By adding cinematic arrangements, Fletcher‘s songs are explosive barrages of aural magic.

Just listen to the title song, “Heartache By The Pound”. It’s a smooth tune with lush textures and astute vocals. Every note is masterfully set. Fletcher‘s groove laden spirit cooly flows off the track. Another hot number is the divine, “I’ve Made Nights By Myself”. Here, Fletcher ramps up the tempo and embeds the song with charismatic guitar licks and exuberant vocals. The whole album is chock full of sonic avalanches. Heartaches By The Pound drops one incredible song after another.

Speaking about his love of music, Fletcher expounds:

“Every time I pick up a guitar, I get down to business and play with a whole lot of soul. I’ve been doing it my whole life, so it’s an extension of who I am. It’s like a personal PA system to make things louder and put that soul out there. Every note is a continuation of my childhood, growing up in church, and all the things I love. That’s what’s most important to me about guitar playing. At the end of the day, I’m just a bluesman“.

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To learn more about Kirk Fletcher, Check out the Website!

Follow on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube

Stream music:  Spotify / Apple Music

Purchase: Amazon 

 

 

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