© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2009

Darrell Nulisch 
Just For You
Severn CD 0047

Dallas/Fort Worth blues fans should need no introduction to the music of Darrell Nulisch. Raised in Dallas, Nulisch cut his teeth playing in Robert Ealey’s Bluebird Club back in the 70’s. Later in that decade, he teamed with Anson Funderburgh to form the first edition of Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets. After leaving Funderburgh’s band, Darrell did a short stint with Mike Morgan before moving on to Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters where they recorded a couple of excellent albums on Blacktop. In 1991, Darrell released his solo debut on Black Top and also recorded another disc for Higher Plane before joining Severn in 1998. Just For You is Darrell Nulisch’s 5th release for Severn.

Much of Darrell’s solo output has been concentrated on soul music with the exception being his last release, Goin’ Back To Dallas, which harkened back to the sound of Darrell’s recordings in the Rockets. Just For You finds Darrell putting even more emphasis on soul music than any previous release. Returning to back Nulisch on this disc are guitarist Johnny Moeller, bassist/collaborator Steve Gomes, drummer Robb Stupka and keyboardist Benjie Porecki who have also been featured on Nulisch’s previous recordings.

The opener “You Don’t Know Me” written by Nulisch and Gomes features some crisp horn arrangements from a horn section that numbers eight according to the credits. “The Woman Don’t Live Here No More” is a ballad featuring nice work from Moeller. “Work For Love” is reminiscent of the Hi Records/Willie Mitchell sound. On Slim Harpo’s “Just For You” the original Excello Records feel is swapped for an Otis Redding feel and gives Nulisch the opportunity to play a little harmonica. Moeller gets another chance to stretch out on “Just A Little Blues” and “All The Love We Had” which features a wah-wah guitar part straight out of the 70’s. On ‘Let A Woman Be A Woman” Porecki’s B3 and Moeller’s guitar give a sort of Blue Note boogaloo feel to the tune. The disc closes with the upbeat “Natural Thing” which has all the hallmarks of classic soul – great song, nice groove and outstanding vocals.

Just For You is a strong disc from start to finish. While I preferred the straight ahead blues approach of Nulisch’s last disc, it is obvious that Darrell’s writing style and vocal ability give him the ability to switch back and forth between blues and soul and deliver solid performances in either genre. Highly recommended.

- Barry Gober -


Southwest Blues CD Review - November 2009

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