A first-class bluesman with more natural soul in reserve than many singers can summon up at the peak of their powers, Darrell Nulisch testifies with stirring authority on I Like It That Way, his second Severn Records release.
Following up 1998’s The Whole Truth, this strong release presents the big-voiced Dallas native dipping into a varied soul-streaked R&B bag. From the infectious opener, “You Tore My Playhouse Down”—which he adapted from the Ann Peebles’ classic “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down”—to ebullient offerings like “Getaway Place” and “Love Changes Things,” he mines a motherlode of deep-blue feeling on B.B. King’s “Worried Blues” and goes to church on the gospel-flavored original “Where My Baby Is.”
Elsewhere, Nulisch wraps his distinctive pipes around faithful covers of Lee Shot Williams’ “I Like Your Style” and Otis Redding’s “Trick Or Treat.” He grooves on a jazzy, organ-fueled interpretation of Otis Rush’s “Mean Old World,” reinterprets his own “After All,” which he had recorded 10 years ago with guitarist Ronnie Earl, and showcases his blues harp chops on the rootsy shuffle “Once in a Lifetime.”
“I’ve tried to show progression on all my records,” says Nulisch. “And I think this one shows growth in my writing style.” On this release, he is again working in tandem with longtime writing partner Steve Gomes. “Steve and I both lean toward this soul kind of thing. Also over the last few years I’ve gotten into listening to more gospel and jazz, and I think that’s reflected in some of the music on this album.”
Recorded near his home in Somerville, MA, I Like It That Way features Darrell along with Gomes on bass, Jon Moeller on guitar, Robb Stupka on drums, and Benjie Porecki on piano and organ. Given their natural chemistry in the studio, it’s no wonder that Nulisch’s fourth release as a leader is his strongest and most satisfying recording to date. Blues and soul fans will have lots to dig on I Like It That Way.
Check out Darrell’s entire Severn catalog: The Whole Truth; Times Like These; Goin’ Back to Dallas; and Just For You.
LINER NOTES
Sincere thanks to David Earl for another opportunity to express our musical visions. Thanks to all the musicians for working so hard and sounding so great; to Chris Rival and Eric Lemley for putting it all down and sorting it all out; to Diane Connal for all her hard work and belief in my career; to all the fans and DJs everywhere who do their part in keeping the music alive and well.
MUSICIANS
Darrell Nulisch: Vocals and Harmonica
Jon Moeller: Guitar
Benjie Porecki: Keyboards
Steve Gomes: Bass
Robb Stupka: Drums
Alejandro Lucini: Percussion
Scott Young: Alto and Tenor Sax
Scott Silbert: Tenor and Baritone Sax
Tommy Williams: Trumpet
Chris Walker: Trumpet
John Jensen: Trombone
Joe Maher: Backup Vocals
Jessie Yawn: Backup Vocals
Jessie Yawn appears courtesy of Horseplay Records
CREDITS
Produced by Darrell Nulisch, David Earl & Steve Gomes
Executive Producer: David Earl
Recorded at My Generation, Somerville, MA and Omega Studios, Rockville, MD
Engineers: Chris Rival and Eric Lemley
Mixed by Eric Lemley at Omega Studios, Rockville, MD
Mastered By Charlie Pilzer at Airshow Mastering, Springfield, VA
Horn Arrangements: Adolph Wright
Photography/Digital Enhancement – Randy Santos
CD Design: Copeland Design
Severn CD0007