DNNIS HERRERA
YOU STOLE MY HEART
YOU STOLE MY HEART–TAKES MONEY–FORE–WITH NO REFRAIN–LOOK OUT –RECOVERY–YOU CAN NAME IT–BACKED-UP–MY PAST TIME–RUN WITH THE LOSERS–BITTERSWEET
Guitarist Dennis Herrera is a California bluesman who writes his own material, gleaned from his experiences in everyday life. His latest is entitled “You Stole My Heart,” and the eleven originals were split between four tracks being laid down at Greaseland Studios in San Jose, and the remainder in Torrance at Ardent Audio Productions. Thus, the backing musicians represent “NorCal,” and “SoCal,” respectively.
NorCal rules on the leadoff title cut, a blastin’ rocker that sounds as if it coulda been a long-lost Specialty gem, with wailin’ sax from Jack Sanford, and Sid Morris on piano. They get into a jazzy mood for the mid-tempo swing, “With No Refrain,” and NorCal finishes their portion of the program with a tall, cool, Collins-mixed instrumental, “You Can Name It,” with icy-cold guitar from Dennis.
SoCal rocks the house, too, as Dennis lays down a Chicago groove, with harp from Dennis Depoitre, as we learn a lesson most of us already know—“ain’t nothin’ free,” and “it Takes Money for this, takes money for that.” “Backed-Up” plays out as a traditional Chicago-styled blues, as Dennis laments traffic problems “that get worser every day!” He closes the set with a beautiful acoustic number– just Dennis’ vocal and guitar–on a tune about two lovers that “sometimes just don’t see eye to eye,” “Bittersweet.”
Our favorite was one with Dennis and the NorCal guys. They bust out a shake and finger pop groove on the story of the eventual ravages of Father Time on us all, “Look Out,” and enjoy life as long as you can.
“You Stole My Heart,” from Dennis Herrera, is a party from the first note. The whole thing has a live, spontaneous feel throughout, and the musicianship and material makes this one sweet ride all the way from Torrance to San Jose!! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
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