I just received the newest release,
Time On My Hands, by
Jon Herington. Most of you probably know Jon from his work with Steely Dan or as a featured musician on any number of studio tracks but this is Herington's own solo effort and it demonstrates a broad knowledge of musical styles as well as great chops. On
Shine, Shine, Shine; the opening number, Herington sticks close to his efforts with Fagen and Becker with a cool jazz rock track with flashy, intricate guitar riffs and vocal harmonies.
Sweet Ginny Rose has a Bo Diddley rhythm and Steve Miller like vocals but with eastern sounding flanged, distorted guitar and and again harmonic vocals.
On Ain't Got You, a bluesier tune, with a bit of the Philly sound, Herington lays out the best of his tracks so far. It is definitely radio bound and has real smart soloing. Herington's vocals on this track are individualized and it sounds a bit more original. Backed by Dennis Espantman on bass and vocal, Frank Pagano on drums and vocals and Danny Louis on B3 this track is a money maker.
Caroline Yes has a 12 bar bottom with a more contemporary front. Primarily a pop blues track Herington toss out some pretty nice country blues influenced riffs.
Time On My Hands shows just how much Heringtons voice sounds like Fagan's but over a track that sounds like part Band, part Buddy Miles and part Steely Dan but given to someone who has broad rock,jazz and country influences and who isn't afraid to explore a lot of different paths...simultaneously.
Running Out Of Time puts me in mind of Joe Walsh. Ask why I draw comparisons... I can't tell you. In this case it's the vocal blending.... and it's probably just in my head. The melody on this track is very solid and it's a really nice track as if it would be on an Apple recording... always leading to an interesting guitar riff.
I'll Fix Your Wagon is one of my favorite tracks on the release and this track has a trace of Yer Blues on it but again taken quite in a different direction. This is a well constructed track providing a good setting for Herington to show his chops.
I Hear they Shoot Horses has strong Steely Dan influence but still retaining it's own identity. A jazzy track and with predominant vocals, this track has woven textures of sound and really interesting guitar riffs.
eGirl is a flat out boogie and done in swing form like C. Berry's No Money Down. Possibly my favorite track on the release, Herington breaks more into a Texas style with a jazz twist and shows yet another flavor of his pallet. This is a hot track. Finishing up the release with
The Bucket Song, likely my second favorite track, it has a bit of funk and great tight drums. Being pushed by Espantman, Herington gets a really hot riff going on this track and his vocals are spot on. This is a really interesting release and will really appeal to fans of jazzier rock/blues and Steely Dan but with a less pop flavor. Nice job!
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