We first came across hotly tipped, authentic US soul man ALEX HARRIS (above) back in 2020 via his single ‘Rollin’’. We learned that Alex hailed from Manchester, Georgia where his father was the local pastor and young Alex was soon singing gospel with his siblings while also pursuing his academic studies at high levels. Secular music quickly came knocking and the young performer was soon sharing stages with people like Aretha, John Legend and Lionel Richie. The influence of those “greats” and his gospel/Southern roots were evident in the power and passion of ‘Rollin’’.
So, we’re looking forward to Mr H’s upcoming album, ‘Back To Us’ – due mid-April via Shanachie. In time-honoured fashion the set is being flagged up by a single and Alex and his team have gone for a searing, Southern-soul flavoured ‘Millionaire’. Soul collectors will recognize the song straight away. Written by Kevin Welch, it featured on Solomon Burke’s 2006 album, ‘Nashville’, though it’s maybe better known in the 2017 version by country star Chris Stapelton.
Undaunted by the song’s pedigree, Harris throws everything at it, creating a fine piece of Southern, country flavoured, “for real” soul that speaks of the value of true love over monetary gain. Musically, it’s reminiscent in some ways of those great old Dobie Gray albums. So, no surprise then to learn that ‘Millionaire’, indeed the whole ‘Back To Us’ album, was recorded in Nashville where Alex shared writing sessions with someone called Steve Cropper… never heard of him!!!
