Gary Hector: The Doctor of Memphis

I know where I was and what I was doing when Elvis died. I had recently celebrated my first birthday. And when Gary Hector came into my life there was a mushroom cloud of energy. It was my daughter's fourteenth birthday and we were heading out to dinner.

GARY: Yea man Paul. Thanks for the follow. Greetings from Trinidad and Tobago (in the Caribbean).
ME: Sounds idyllic. [I know where T&T is from the cricket mate.]
GARY: Haha. Well. Only announced this week that the UK put us on must have UK visa to visit. We never needed before. So. Idyllic yes. Ideal no. [He just kept going then for about two hours. I literally went to bed.]

Gary sent me one of the singles from his new album, Waitin' Around To Go Viral and I was hooked. The man spoke to me and not only political stuff. Then I found Time Flies, Time Lies on my own and chuckled myself half to death. Gary is even older than I am and he's still laughing about it.

It should not need mentioning that Gary is not the usual sort of profile here. He's too male, too old and he does not even live in the United States of America. And praise Jesus for these facts. He is part of the British Commonwealth, a unique union that incorporates both of us plus Lilly Winwood and Lola Kirke. Funny story.

I discovered Lola Kirke with the help of another Spotify serendipity. Bury Me In NYC spoke to me in very deep ways long before I knew Lola's name or what she looked like. She was a warm, sultry voice in a very cold, very dark February British bedroom. And she was more than welcome. As I began to find more of her stuff, I mentioned her in an Instagram Story which Gary pounced on. Unusually for him, he sent a one-word message that read simply this: "Lola". He then sent some other bits and ended on a high. Yes friends, it was Gary who sent me the All My Exes video. My mouth fell open and has remained in that position for the last six weeks. This was the start of something new, something dangerous. Gary did not know that Lola was in Sinners, so I was happy to correct the record. Yes, it was Gary who egged me on. Lola Kirke really is the living shit.

Gary's voice is almost unbearably deep. He has a really natural vocal delivery and you sense he barely needs a microphone when singing live. He has a banging sense of humour and plays some kind of music that is mainly blues, I think. He is quite a bit about Dylan and Elvis and is spiritually rooted in Tennessee. Memphis for this album, but he might move again. I think Memphis Medicine in the song of that name is a druggy reference but he hasn't really said as much. Some days he suggests it is just coffee, but it is obvious from the lyrics that something more is going on. I have the whole album and will review it later on, nearer the launch on 1st June 2025 of the vinyl and then 10th June for the digital download and streaming release.

The link for the Memphis Medicine single is below but I believe this will re-populate with the rest of the album as Gary releases more work this summer. But if you really like his music then Bandcamp is your friend.

Press Bit

Gary Hector is the singer-songwriter from Trinidad and Tobago (The Caribbean) and his sophomore solo album MEMPHIS MEDICINE is a testament to his evolution as a solo artist.

Known for his work with bands like Oddfellows Local and JOINTPOP, Hector brings his signature blend of storytelling and musical craftsmanship to this record.

The album, recorded at Dirt Floor Studio in Connecticut, USA, showcases a mix of outlaw country and Americana influences, with Hector drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley.

The production, led by Eric M. Lichter, features a seamless fusion of instrumentation, including drums, piano, organ, guitars, and pedal steel guitar, creating a rich and timeless soundscape.

Hector's poignant lyrics and melodic hooks explore themes of modern life and past ghosts, making MEMPHIS MEDICINE a compelling addition to his discography.