Blues Well Done!
(self-produced)
Featuring singer Julie Long, this Southland band rocks with a true blues tradition. Their core focus goes way back to
the origin of the blues with an added emphasis on ‘50s and ‘60s
revivals. The album’s final track, “Sumlin Groove,” recalls the
mighty force of Hubert Sumlin’s guitar and what a great influence it had on British electric guitarists who followed. Leader
Dennis Herrera, who was born and raised in San Jose, absorbed the Sumlin guitar groove along with a wide range of experiences
available through the blues of radio, LPs and live performances.
Singer Julie Long, who’s originally from England, followed the
music from a different direction, but arrived at the same
conclusion: The impact of blues on the soul is universal.
Long sings nine of the album’s 11 songs, reaching into
boogie-woogie with the help of pianist Rick Wenzel and
beyond with the aid of guitarist Herrera and his band, who enjoy giving life to this eclectic program of original music. With
them on this train ride through history are guitarist Alan Maggini,
bassist Hank van Sickle and drummer Ron Felton. Dennis
Depoitre sits in on harmonica for “I Got Lovin’ on My Mind” and “Run for Cover.” With Long’s hearty interpretations and
Herrera’s throwback grooves, Blues Well Done! does justice for blues history and proves that the New Year holds a promise
for good times to be had.
-- Jim Santella
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