Terry Blade - Tell 'Em

​Terry Blade

Tell 'Em
self-released; 2024

By Jamie Funk
​

Terry Blade’s “Tell ’Em” is a masterclass in restraint, a minimalist blues piece that reverberates with quiet intensity and emotional gravitas. Rooted in a tradition shaped by luminaries like BB King, Muddy Waters, Odetta, and Nina Simone, Blade doesn’t just pay homage—he channels their essence into something uniquely his own.

The song thrives on its simplicity: a sparse arrangement of guitar and vocals that transforms space into its own instrument. It’s a track that feels simultaneously intimate and timeless, as if it’s been pulled from the depths of an old soul with stories still waiting to be told.

​Blade’s guitar work is deceptively understated, weaving between sparse chords and delicate fills with a touch that feels both precise and instinctual. There’s a quiet confidence in his playing, a sense that every note is exactly where it needs to be.

But it’s his voice that truly anchors the track—rich, soulful, and laden with a depth of emotion that lingers long after the last note fades. At moments, there’s an undeniable echo of Jimi Hendrix’s vocal phrasing, particularly in how Blade balances raw vulnerability with an almost conversational ease. His delivery is unhurried, as though he’s letting the weight of his words sink in before moving forward.
What makes “Tell ’Em” resonate so deeply is Blade’s ability to create connection through simplicity. The spaces between the notes, the pauses in his phrasing—they create a tension that draws you in, demanding your attention without ever raising its voice.

It’s the kind of track that feels like a shared secret, revealing more with each listen. Blade’s artistry is undeniable, and “Tell ’Em” is proof that even the quietest songs can echo the loudest truths.

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