Ric Harris : Along The Avenue Review

by Steven Miller

Ric Harris’ journey from North Carolina to Chicago was a calling—a desire to soak up the rich blues traditions of the Windy City and to grow beyond his roots in jazz. His latest album, Along The Avenue, is the culmination of decades of dedication to the blues, exploration of jazz improvisation, and the kind of joyful expression that only comes from a musician who knows his way around a guitar and a lyric. The fourteen tracks on this self-released album reflect Harris’ skill as a player and a songwriter, blending the blues tradition with a twist, and creating a sound that is refreshingly influenced by other genres.

The story of Along The Avenue is one of musical wanderlust. Harris’ pursuit of something deeper led him through jazz studies in Chicago and Los Angeles before his heart landed firmly in the blues. His past album, Open for Business, showcased his deep connection to Chicago’s jam scene, his agile guitar skills, and his instinctive ability to craft tunes that balance today’s music with melodic storytelling based in the blues. Harris continues that journey on this new album, building upon the solid foundation of his earlier work by expanding into more expressive territories with his songwriting and the sounds from the Heat Merchants. He has moved from being an excellent player to a complete artist who captures the pain, joy, and grit of the blues in a way that speaks directly to the listener.

“Along the Avenue” kicks off the album with a rock-blues punch, anchored by Harris’ witty lyrics and deft guitar playing. It’s a track that reflects his skill at blending genres: there are hints of classic rock, jazz-like note choices in his melodies, and the solid, unmistakable feel of Chicago blues. The vocals are delivered with a raw, expressive tone, layered with vocal harmonies by Andrea Miologos, Bree Gordon, and Steve Kostakes. The rhythm section—Marty Binder on drums and Dany Gomez on bass—provides a firm but flexible base that drives the song forward, giving Harris space to convey the melodic possibilities of the blues.

“And Left Us Alone“ sounds of Harris’ ability to evoke a blues emotion through simplicity. The track opens with a warm, lyrical guitar solo—a hallmark of Harris’ playing style. His guitar tone is perfectly dialed in, slightly overdriven, with just enough reverb to make each note sing. The background vocals act as a counterpoint to Harris’ lead, accentuating the melody without overpowering it. The solo, full of expressive bends and poignant pauses, speaks volumes about Harris’ dynamics and phrasing. It’s clear that his influences—Robben Ford, Gary Moore, and Matt Schofield—are deeply embedded, yet Harris’ voice remains distinctively his own.

“Keep Rambling On” and “The Rest of the Night“ bring different shades of the blues spectrum to light. “Keep Rambling On” is a pure blues shuffle, with Kostakes’ keyboards filling out the harmonies and Binder’s shuffling rhythm keeping things grooving. Harris delivers a memorable melody with a lively swagger, his guitar fills adding color and texture. The lyrical content remains light and fun, a perfect companion for the upbeat feel of the track.

“The Rest of the Night” introduces a blues song based on a straight-eight funk feel, merging rock blues with funk sensibilities. The rhythmic tightness between Gomez’s bass and Binder’s drums gives the song its infectious pulse, while Harris adds his raw speak-singing performance on top. His guitar work—particularly the use of double stops and rhythmic fluidity, keeps things dynamic and exciting, while Kostakes delivers a rollicking piano solo that adds an extra layer of excitement.

“Just Another Fool” continues to combine blues with melodic rock sounds. Harris knows how to use sustain to create a singing guitar tone, and here he makes each note count, holding them just long enough to build tension before resolving with a sweet melodic phrase. The interplay between Harris and Kostakes showcases both musicians’ ability to communicate through their instruments. It’s a song that exudes a sense of the blues, capturing the duality of heartbreak and resilience that is often at the core of traditional blues.

Ric Harris is, above all, a storyteller—and not just in the lyrics. His guitar playing speaks just as deeply as his words. There is a natural, almost conversational flow to his solos, which often use the language of blues—bends, slides, and double stops—in unique ways that highlight his background in jazz and rock. This approach makes his playing on the album feel spontaneous and alive, much like a well-crafted speech that unfolds in real time, reacting to the rhythm section’s energy.

Steve Kostakes’ contribution on the piano and keyboards is outstanding Whether adding subtle harmonic pads or stepping into the spotlight for a solo, Kostakes brings a strong blues and jazz sensibility that enhances the harmonic depth of the songs. His interplay with Harris, particularly on tracks like “So Tell Me” and “One I Can’t Deny,” demonstrates the kind of musical camaraderie that can only come from years of playing together.

The album reflects Harris’ roots of being a blues player, cutting his teeth in Chicago’s clubs to become a mature artist with a voice of his own. Tracks like “So Tell Me,” with its funky rhythm guitar reminiscent of BB King mixed with James Brown, showcase Harris’ willingness to push the boundaries of the genre, injecting elements of funk and rock while still respecting the blues tradition. This approach echoes the spirit of blues legends like Gary Moore and Tab Benoit, who similarly embraced multiple influences to keep the blues alive and relevant.

Harris also leans into the emotional storytelling aspect of the blues. “One I Can’t Deny” brings the listener back to the core of traditional blues—the shuffle. But what sets Harris apart is his sensitivity to the nuances of dynamics and rhythm. He knows when to hold back, when to push forward, and when to let the groove carry the song. Binder and Gomez provide the ideal rhythm section, keeping things tight while allowing enough freedom for Harris and Kostakes to interact naturally.

Along The Avenue is a collection of fourteen blues songs that builds on the strengths of his debut blues album, Open for Business, while exploring new territory sonically and emotionally. Harris continues to grow as a guitarist and songwriter. The songs show he understands the power of a well-crafted lyric and the importance of each note in a solo. This album has the familiar comforts of traditional blues while embracing enough new ideas to keep things fresh and exciting.

Ric Harris’ understanding of the blues goes beyond the scales and the grooves. He knows that the heart of the blues is about telling stories—about life, love, loss, and everything in between. Along The Avenue does just that, with each track offering a different chapter in a larger narrative of resilience, exploration, and joy. It’s an album that makes you feel at home in its ability to blend tradition with innovation; it’s a worthy addition to any blues lover’s collection.