Kenny Harrell — a close look at the man and the musician

| January 5, 2015 | Reply

Kenny Harrell 5Interview by Will McPherson, courtesy photos

When going to a show, there are some who go to hang out; some that go to drink; and some go for the music. When attending a show, they find some musicians just stand there with a guitar and sing, which is great; and some other guys give a high energy, dynamic show that keep people dancing all night long while interacting with the crowd to give them a night they will remember. One of those guys in the second group is the self-proclaimed head of Reckless Nation, Kenny Harrell.

Harrell has a sound that damn near resembles Waylon Jennings with a little Johnny Lee tossed in. You ask, ‘Is he Reckless”’ Not at all. That is the title track off of his debut album.

Let’s meet Kenny Harrell.

1-Tell us a little bit about who you are?

Well, I grew up, born and raised, in Cameron, Texas. I loved football, golf, and beer, and was very active in all three during high school. I was a rodeo cowboy from 1993 to 1998 and rode bulls in PRCA and CPRA from ‘95 to ‘98.  I now reside in Groesbeck, Texas, with my girlfriend, Dana, and my two dogs, Moses and Daisy.

2-How did you decide to give music a try?

I grew up listening to country. My dad always had Jones, Haggard, Jennings, Strait, Yoakum, and Cash in the tape deck. It was a rule in our household to sit down after supper and watch Hee-Haw.  I used to stand in my dad’s rockin’ recliner and strum my plastic little 6-string, right alongside Roy Clark and Buck Owens. That’s probably when I was bit with the bug of performing, right around the age of 5.

3-Who were your musical influences growing up?

My influences range from so many genres. As a child, my favorites were Elvis and Johnny Lee. I can honestly say that I’ve been influenced by so many, because I listened to everything from what my mom listened to…The BeeGees, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, and Bruce Springsteen.  \My dad introduced me to country with artists like Hank Snow, Marty Robbins, Ray Price, Gene Watson, Charlie Rich and Charley Pride, Waylon, Willie, and Jones. As I grew into my teenage year.s I found and fell in love with the Hair Metal era. I loved Poison, Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Guns-N-Roses…and my fave…Motley Crue. I still loved my country music though. I was influenced by Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Doug Stone, Marty Stuart and Garth from that era of early 90’s country Top 40.

4- Can you tell the fans about your musical style?

Wow…My style is very unorthodox. It’s crazy, because I incorporate my love for rock-n-Roll into my country music. You never know what the next track will sound like on one of my records. It may be the saddest, tear-in-your-beer song with that Texas fiddle and steel guitar crying in the background — or, it may be a very strong, hard vocal, party song with that dirty, distorted guitar riff that sounds so early 90’s rock. All in all, it’s country. But the country music that I enjoy playing.  Just imagine if Waylon Jennings and Lita Ford had a bastard child, well, that child is me

5-How do you like to interact do with your fans?

I interact in all ways possible. Whether it be at our live shows, fan fairs, on the road…even while driving, at truck stops or rest areas, or on social media, I’m always happy to converse and get to know my fans. After all, the fans are the reason I’m able to do what I love to do, and I want them  to know that I sincerely appreciate their support.  I, in turn, want to turn around and show them the same affection. I have never left one live performance without making sure that each and every fan that came to our merch table received a photo and autograph. I do take that extra few seconds to ask them a question about themselves. I truly want to get to know each person. There have been times where I had to leave performances as soon as I left the stage, and it makes me feel somewhat empty, because I really want to meet the fine folks that paid good money to come to my show.

6-What was the first song you ever learned?

Hmmm… It was either Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” or Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” Now, the very first song I ever performed live was Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time”…Wait, no, I think the first song I learned was Skid Row’s “I Remember You”!  Hell, you’re making me dig way too far back…I’m not sure now.

7-Can you tell fans what they should expect when attending one of your shows?

Hahaha…Balls to the wall, baby! I don’t think I stop moving for one second once I get called up to the stage. All of my guys and I just have so much fun on stage. I think that’s why people always tell me, ‘Kenny, it doesn’t matter if you’re playing for a few or few thousand people; you’re gonna give the same amount of energy no matter what.’ And that’s true. I have no idea where this energy comes from either. I could be tired as hell, sick, hung over, or whatever, but as soon as Timbo calls my name, I know it’s showtime. You just have to experience Reckless Nation, man. I tell ya, if you don’t have a good time, then it’s your own damn fault.

8-What is the one song that you love to perform live?

I have to admit, the song I really love performing is “Feel Like Making Love,” by Bad Company. We always start to close the show with that song…it’s so much fun. I get to head banging right along with the crowd. Now, out of my original material it would probably be a toss-up between “Cameron, TX, USA” or “Reckless,” because both of those songs are a straight-up biography of my life to date.

Kenny Harrell 69-Do you prefer to play small venues or bigger venues?

Ya know, I love ‘em both. Smaller venues have their place in this business. You have to play them to get to the bigger venues. They allow you to hone in on your craft. Smaller venues allow you to get away with more too.. . they tend to be a little more forgiving if you slip up. They are more intimate as well. I like small venues because I can literally walk up to the bar and have a conversation with a total stranger, and by the time I walk away I’ve made a new friend and fan.

The larger venues are awesome. It’s what you practiced and rehearsed so many hours for. The energy is indescribable and amazing. I love being able to feed off the crowd’s energy, and at the same time they are feeding off mine. It’s just one big, huge circle of love, brother.

10-If you could perform with anyone right now who would it be?

I have two…well, actually three… First, my deceased pick would be Elvis.  Second, I would have to unleash my inner metal self and kick ass with Vince Neal (I did meet him, by the way. Sat with him at Crossroads on Broadway in Nashville last year and had a shot of vodka and a beer). Third, I would share the stage, at the same time with Clint Black and Johnny Lee. I know, that’s actually four, but you asked…and this is my interview right?  Hahaha…

11-What is your process for picking songs that may go on an album?

Pick the best ones. I always try to make sure that the songs I write and record can be heard as if the person listening to it can say, “He wrote that song about me…I don’t know how he knew about what I was going through, living, or feeling, but he wrote that song for me.” If it can get me excited, more than likely it’ll be tracked.

12- Do you write your own material?

I do. I want to start trying this business called co-writing soon. I hear it’s pretty cool.

13-What inspires you to write a song?

Everything…my life, my accomplishments, my failures, my girlfriend, my daughter and son, my struggles…and I could go on and on…my ex wife!  Boy, have I wrote a winner about her! It’s titled, “Pucker Up”. I won’t tell you what it’s about, you’ll just have to wait until the new album comes out.

14-If you could record one song what would it be?

The song that nobody could record.

15-When making your first album, did you try to pattern it after any particular album you have heard and blend it with your own style?

Very much so. My very first project was in ‘05. I wanted to have that Haggard-esque, Clint Black, Strait blend. Of course, over the past 10 years, my voice and vocal range has dropped quite drastically, so there’s no way I could even sound like I did on that first project. I will definitely go back and lay another vocal track down. Plus, I was really green in the studio. I was nervous as heck. Who knows, there may be a couple of those earlier tracks on the new album.

16-Is there one artist who you are a current fan of?

I’m digging the hell out of Zane Williams right now. That cat can write a song! I still like my Roger Creager, Whiskey Myers, and I always anticipate what Fowler is gonna release next. Oh, and I dig the hell out of Mark Allan Atwood…or is it Mike Allen Aardvark…something like that.

17- Are you signed exclusively with anyone right now?

No, I’m not…I’m what you would call “el independante”. Although, I do have a great team of booking agents and a hell of a promoter…You can find all of that info out at www.steenentertainment.com.  I am, however, looking for sponsors and investors that would like to come ride this ride with me and make a little dinero at the same time (thought I’d throw that out there).

18-What would you say is the biggest highlight of your career thus far?

Actually, hearing my song being played on the radio…especially the stations that never would give me a chance in the beginning.  \That just tickles me in certain areas that I shouldn’t be tickled in.

Kenny Harrell 719-Where can fans go to find out more about you?

www.kennyharrell.com

www.facebook.com/kennyharrellmusic

www.steenentertainment.com

www.twitter.com/kennyharrell

www.reverbnation.com/kennyharrell

You can purchase my music @

www.cdbaby.com/kennyharrell

www.itunes.com/kennyharrell

www.amazon.com/kennyharrell

www.mytexasmusic.com

You can even get me on Spotify…hallelluryer!!!

20-Where can fans purchase your music?

Ummm…I think I was getting ahead of you and answered that in the previous question.  Sorry, dude.

21-What is on the horizon for you?

A big ol’ pasture of pot plants!! No, just kidding. Seriously, I’m looking forward to eventually getting back in the studio; hopefully in the summertime. Spend a little more time this year with my kiddos too. Might even buy a ring and put it on my girlfriend’s left finger…who knows.  Hell, and I might get that “ex” to finally “pucker up”. Peace in the Middle East, Adios!!!

Scene In Town will be keeping up with Kenny Harrell’s tour schedule, so check the Live Music Calendar often.

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In the music production business, including event production, booking, photography, reporting, and other such essentials, since 1980.

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