About Me: Bruce Hazel & John William Harrell
This piano and voice pairing featuring Bruce Hazel (Temperance League) and John William Harrell (Hectorina) is part Vegas crooner, part carnival barker and all seductive melodies. Drawing from the likes of Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, Warren Zevon, Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Burt Bacharach, this act is an exciting new musical partnership.
Joining Forces for a Soulful New Project: Bruce Hazel & John William Harrell
Key Takeaways
Greazy Keyz sat down with two Charlotte music heavyweights: Bruce Hazel and John William Harrell. What unfolded was a thoughtful, funny, and musically rich conversation about roots, risks, and reinvention.
Bruce Hazel took us through his journey from the stages of Charlotte to the scene in Milwaukee and the grit of L.A.—before finding his way back home. Known for his deep rock & soul sensibilities, Bruce shared how early projects like Fools Brigade led to long-term creative bonds and the birth of his band Temperance League—which has since released nine albums and opened for Bob Seger at the Spectrum Center. Yeah, that Bob Seger.
John William Harrell, meanwhile, talked about growing up in a musical household—his dad played with the Charlotte group Small Change—and how that early exposure shaped his ear and instincts. A core member of bands like Hectorina and Dinner Abbotts, John has built a reputation as a thoughtful collaborator and versatile studio presence.
What brought these two together? A track for the Be Good to Yourself compilation—a mental health benefit album that sparked unexpected chemistry. What was supposed to be a one-off tribute turned into something deeper: an album of piano-driven, emotionally charged songs crafted alongside producer Daniel Hodges.
The conversation covered Charlotte’s evolving music scene, the importance of community, and why sometimes, the best albums start with just one good song and the right people in the room.
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