Ric Harris and The Heat Merchants, Along The Avenue Review

by Nolan Conghaile

Ric Harris’ sophomore effort, Along The Avenue, is a vibrant celebration of blues tradition infused with the guitarist’s journey and boundless creativity. Following the success of his debut album, Open For Business, Harris expands his sonic palette with this self-released project. Accompanied by The Heat Merchants, a tight-knit group of skilled musicians, Harris presents a collection of 14 tracks that blend traditional blues forms with inventive songwriting, drawing from rock, jazz, and funk to create something uniquely his own.

Harris’s journey has shaped a nuanced sound from his roots in North Carolina, where jazz first sparked his musical ambition, to his immersion in Chicago’s blues scene. Influenced by luminaries like Robben Ford and Gary Moore, Harris crafts songs that reflect both the pain and redemption inherent in the blues tradition while offering fresh perspectives. This album demonstrates his commitment to the blues as a living art form, evolving while honoring its rich history.

The album opens with the title track, “Along the Avenue,” a catchy blues-rock song that captures Harris’ ability to merge genres impeccably. The rhythm section—Marty Binder on drums and Dany Gomez on bass—lays down a solid groove, buzzing with energy. Harris’ guitar work, articulate and soulful, speaks to his jazz-infused approach, while his vocals, bolstered by lush harmonies from Andrea Miologos, Bree Gordon, and Steve Kostakes, give the track rustic blues bar esthetic.

“And Left Us Alone” showcases Harris’ lyrical playing and his skillful use of guitar tones. The song begins with an expressive guitar solo, setting the mood for Harris and the Heat Merchants to deliver an enjoyable modern blues number. Kostakes’ keyboard provides a harmonic foundation that complements Harris’ vocals, while the guitar solo reflects Harris’ control of bending notes to pitch to pull out every ounce of expression from his guitar.

“So Tell Me” is a departure into funk-infused territory. With a clean, rhythmic guitar tone reminiscent of BB King, Harris injects a playful swagger into this 12-bar blues number. Binder’s tight drumming and Gomez’s groovy bassline anchor the track, while Harris’ vocal delivery adds a touch of wit and charm. The result is a song that straddles the line between reverence for tradition and fearless experimentation.

On “Just Another Fool,” Harris channels his lyrical guitar lines with soulful keyboard textures and a deep groove from the Heat Merchants. Kostakes’ solo brings us a Hammond organ sound that is rich in tone as he builds his solo, leading gracefully into Harris’ emotive guitar statement. Harris’ solo combines jazz, rock, and blues with lyrical phrasing and familiar blues patterns.

The closing track, “From Heading Out the Door,” leaves listeners on an upbeat note. This jump blues number brims with infectious energy, propelled by the Heat Mechants’ and Harris’ catchy guitar playing and staccato vocals. Kostakes takes an emotive blues piano solo. Harris steps into the spotlight next, his solo in the pocket, which reflects a deep understanding of the blues vocabulary.

Harris’ approach to guitar is disciplined and expressive. His solos unfold with a storyteller’s pacing, each note placed with intent. Drawing on his jazz background, Harris employs sophisticated phrasing and harmonic choices that elevate the blues framework. His use of reverb and distortion is tasteful, adding depth without overshadowing the natural warmth of his tone. The interplay between Harris and Kostakes is another highlight, with their musical dialogues adding layers of texture and emotion to each track.

The Heat Merchants provide impeccable support throughout the album. Binder’s drumming is crisp and dynamic, effortlessly shifting between shuffles, straight-eighth feels, and jump blues grooves. Gomez’s bass work is equally versatile, providing a rock-solid foundation while enhancing each song’s harmonic and rhythmic feel. Kostakes, whether on keyboards or piano, adds richness and nuance that rounds out the band’s sound.

Along The Avenue is an enjoyable collection of blues tunes; exploring different feels and styles gives it an inventive journey. Songs like “And Left Us Alone” and “One I Can’t Deny” echo themes of longing and resilience, while tracks like “So Tell Me” and “From Heading Out the Door” celebrate the joy and vitality of the genre. Harris’ ability to weave his jazz narrative into his playing makes this album resonate on a deeper level.

Ric Harris and The Heat Merchants have delivered a compelling follow-up with Along The Avenue. Balancing tradition with modernization, the album showcases Harris as a guitarist, his thoughtful approach to songwriting, and his ability to lead a band that’s as versatile as it is cohesive. Whether you’re a die-hard blues fan or new to the genre, this album offers a rich listening experience that celebrates the blues’ enduring power while appreciating the blues’ art and the endless possibilities it holds.