Dennis Herrera Blues Band, Julie Long - Blues Well Done! (2007)

Tracklist

01. Gotta Hold on Me
02. Bad Streak
03. I'd Rather Go Blind
04. Blues Lover
05. Hiway 69
06. I Got Lovin' On My Mind
07. That's O.K., That's Alright
08. Shuffle in G
09. Found Me a New Love
10. Run For Cover
11. Sumlin Groove



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.

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