On The Verge

Highly Kind

Gadsden, Ala.
Southern Rock on the Rise
www.highlykind.com

At times, Highly Kind’s debut Don’t Wake Albert seems to have it all: hot licks, cool grooves, well-structured songs, emotive vocals and a innate cohesiveness. With Duane Trucks (Derek’s younger brother) on drums and percussion, the pedigree is certainly there as well, but singer/songwriter/ guitarist Albert Simpson is the key to this quartet’s classic delivery (keyboardist Trey Evans and bassist Kevin Scott round out the band). Johnny Sandlin, the Capricorn records producer and A&R director who was intimately connected with the Allman Brothers early on, brought his expertise to the project and augmented the lineup with backing vocals, percussion and various other auxiliary instruments. Randall Bramlett contributes piano, vocals and two songs including the album opener, “Don’t Wake Elvis.” Sandlin also brought in young virtuoso guitarist, Josh Gooch, who makes his debut here playing lead and slide. “I’m more impressed with Josh Gooch than any guitarist I’ve heard in a long time,” says Sandlin. “During the sessions for the Highly Kind album, he reminded me of Duane Allman—the way he absorbs things. He’s like a sponge.”