Produced by award-winning blues singer / guitarist Zac Harmon
Recorded at Sonic Ranch, Tornillo, Texas
Even if you've never heard of Derrick Procell there is a sure bet that you've been touched by his music over the years. Derrick has handled vocals and voice overs for scores of advertising campaigns, including McDonalds, Chevy, Ford, Coca-Cola and Kellogg’s, Derrick is the Beer Voice Guy. Sure bet that if it’s not a microbrew, Derrick is the one singing for their commercials. He's been writing songs for over 40 years. Those artists who have recorded his compositions include Shemekia Copeland, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Big Lou Johnson, and The Cashbox Kings, to name a few. Derrick has written, performed, and produced music for TV and movies. His music has been an important part of campaigns led by The American Cancer Society, Music from the Heart and The Children's Foundation. Derrick has received awards from Billboard Magazine, Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase, among others.
Singing in bar bands as a kid before he was legal; First recording as the lead singer in a band " Mothers Way "when he was 16(!); his energy and talent make Derrick irresistible to audiences; has logged over a million hours on stage and in the studio; and has had a successful partnership with lyricist Terry Abramson.
To really be impressed by the extraordinary talent of Derrick Procell, and be blown away by his vocal prowess, check out the CD single release by Annika Chambers and Derrick - Black Man's Justice / Rise Up - Derrick was thrilled to sing both of them with Annika....and that led to..." Hello Mojo!”. Mind blowing!
Derrick has certainly lived an extraordinary life. This is cleverly and honestly reflected in his songwriting. Derrick gives back through his music, his lyrical footsteps, ear-catching, reflecting the sounds of the world around him. His energy is infectious!
'Hello Mojo! “ BMA winner and producer Zac Harmon, and label owner/bandleader Bob Trenchard, have put together a truly impressive roster of talents to swing these sessions: The Rays - Johnny McGhee on guitar, Richy Puga on drums, Dan Fergusonon keyboards. Add to that a kick ass horn section: Andy Roman, alto and tenor saxophone; Nick Flood, baritone and tenor sax; Frank Otero, trombone; Mike Middleton, trumpet; Munyungo Jackson, percussive accents.
Derrick has continued his successful partnership with lyricist Terry Abrahamson. Take the lyrics sung on `` A Tall Glass of You " for example:'' I've been knocking down bourbon since the day I could spell Jim Beam”; " I can hold more tequila than Zorro on the 5th of May”. Bob Trenchard, also on bass, has also co-written 3 songs here. Every track is a winner!
From the rambunctious, horn-driven romp of " Hello Mojo! “, which also features Derricks impressive work on the piano; on to "The Contender “, a seismic earthquake of an anthem about a man fighting his way back against all odds; down to the dizzying delights of Nawlins rhythm and blues on the track " I Can't Say No “; "Broken Promises" and " Baby I'm Lost " are showcases for Derricks talented harp work; and a cover of The Kinks ``Who'll Be The Next In Line '' which should impress even Ray Davies by reinventing the song itself. The band effortlessly crosses all borders with a flair for infectious, feel-good music.
" Hello Mojo " is certainly an award contender for 2022. This release is so special that you can't help but play it over and over and over again. Derrick Procell’s legacy is certainly being cemented as a blues luminary. The band's irresistible groove; Derrick's powerful, road-weary vocals; dynamic horn charts; inventive, fun, ear-catching lyrics; and Zac Harmons first-rate production all add up to a rollicking good time.