Daddy Long Legs

Though originating in Brooklyn, New York, Daddy Long Legs operate as a lean punk-blues trio whose approach draws from classic country-blues yet translates it into a high-octane, amplified presentation. Fronted by Brian Hurd, who performs under the name Daddy Long Legs and supplies raw vocals along with harmonica, the trio captured its direct approach on early Norton Records releases, beginning with the 2012 debut Evil Eye on You and continuing with the 2015 live document Rides Tonight: Recorded Live. Upon moving to Yep Roc Records the group pursued greater sonic depth on 2019’s Lowdown Ways and 2023’s Street Sermons while retaining its core momentum.

Born in Missouri, singer and harmonica player Hurd relocated to New York after his girlfriend chose to settle in the city; once there he immersed himself in the local underground circuit. He connected with guitarist and singer Murat Aktürk and drummer Josh Styles through a mutual appreciation for punk and older blues forms, and the three soon began performing together as Daddy Long Legs. Their forceful fusion of country-blues intensity, electric blues drive, and rock & roll force caught the ear of Norton Records, a label devoted to unpolished sounds both historic and contemporary. The band’s first appearance on disc came in 2010 via Norton’s series of Rolling Stones tribute singles, where their 45 paired the long-suppressed “Cocksucker Blues” on the A-side with a version of “The Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man” featuring Dictators founder Andy Shernoff on the flip. Following two years of steady live work, Norton issued the twelve-track studio debut Evil Eye on You in 2012. That same year the trio accompanied Chicago R&B veteran T. Valentine on his Norton album The Vampire. Extensive touring ensued, including dates alongside the Flamin’ Groovies, the Sonics, and ? & the Mysterians in addition to their own raucous club performances. A split single with Canadian roots-rock artist Bloodshot Bill appeared on Norton, pairing Daddy Long Legs’ reading of “All the Time” with Bill’s take on “Shackin’ Up.”

Stepping away from the road, the band entered New York Hed Studios with producer Matt Verta-Ray to cut their follow-up studio effort, 2014’s Blood from a Stone. A January 2015 performance at Brooklyn’s St. Vitus was captured by producer and engineer Jim Diamond, resulting in the live album Rides Tonight: Recorded Live released that June. Growing recognition led roots-oriented Yep Roc Records to sign the group, and 2019’s Lowdown Ways emerged under the guidance of producer Jimmy Sutton, who also contributed bass and baritone guitar; the sessions yielded a more polished sound and tighter execution while preserving the band’s sharp edge. The COVID-19 pandemic halted touring and recording for the next two years, yet by 2022 Daddy Long Legs resumed activity and headed to Old Soul Studios in Catskill, New York to track their second Yep Roc release, Street Sermons. The album addressed social themes on “Nightmare” and the title track, and it featured appearances by Wreckless Eric, writer of the new-wave staple “Whole Wide World,” along with John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful.