Tijerina - Walk This Road (2009)

“My first impression on hearing Walk This Road, Tijerina’s fourth self released CD, was ‘wow, these guys are tough.’ The comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan are inevitable; but I would not say that Todd Tijerina (Tee-her EE-na) is a copy cat. Far from it. He takes the best elements and then brings things to the next level sonically and his song writing is top notch, too. The word that keeps coming to my mind is 'sophisticated'. His solos, although fiery, don’t bash you over the head; they slither and slide at you. His playing isn’t just rock and pyrotechnics; but blues first and rock second...If you are a “guitars are king” kind of blues fan then you need a copy of Walk This Road sooner than later.” - Malcolm Kennedy - Washington Blues Society Bluesletter

For over a decade guitarist/singer/songwriter, Todd Tijerina, (Tee-her-ee-na) has steadily made a living playing his fierce brand of cutting edge blues-rock in Chicago and the Southwest as Tijerina's (formerly The Todd Tijerina Band) guitarist/singer. In addition to front man duties, a three year stint in Chicago ('97 - '00) offered opportunities to work as guitarist for such artists as internationally revered bluesman, Byther Smith, the legendary Harmonica Hinds, and BB's daughter, Shirley King. It was during this time in the Windy City that Todd and his band won Chicagoland's Rory's Blues Talent Competition 1999 which featured 35 acts from across the US. The victory funded recording expenses for the group's 2000 release, The Lowdown. Since then the band has released two more albums, Welcome Home in 2004 and Now in 2006, which have enjoyed radio play in the US, Australia and Europe.
Infusing funk, rock and jazz elements into his blues stylings, Todd has always striven to be unique as a songwriter and guitarist. Rootstime (Belgium) declares that he “creates his own style and sound… His manner of guitar playing, singing and songwriting is refreshing and inspiring.” The Promised Land Entertainment Magazine states, “[the band's] newest release is a perfect example of how to take the old and mix in the new to get a feeling of something very special… From the opening instrumental you can tell you're in for a ride you won't forget.” Putnay Thomas of Blues On Stage magazine states, “His music is distinctive… His guitar playing as much power and expression as any guitarist I've heard…It's just a matter of time before he gets a major label release.” Todd's unique sound is a result of his own take on songwriting with an emphasis on maintaining potent hooks, personal identity and grooves that cross genre lines which help explain his contribution's relevancy to blues as an evolving art form.
Providing the backbone and punch in Tijerina's grooves on bass/background vocals and drums respectively are Dave Heidt and Bill Vietch, both of whom have toured nationally and recorded with various blues, funk, latin, rock and jazz ensembles. Along with frontman, Todd Tijerina, they are well established as a force to experience first hand.