Dave Herrero
Austin to Chicago
Hero/FeRey Music HMG002
Dave Herrero’s 2004 career move from Texas to Illinois is clearly the basis for his choice of CD title, we get that. But after listening to Austin to Chicago you fully understand this CD is not about a 936-mile itinerary, but a metaphorical representation of Herrero’s professional journey as a musician, and the maturity he has attained in his spectacular growth as a singer, songwriter and blues performer.
His journey from humble Florida beginnings via the vibrant Austin blues scene, and subsequent partnerships with mentors like Charlie Sexton, Seth Walker, Marcia Ball, Matt Powell, the Keller Brothers and Clifford Antone among others, had indelible influences on Herrero’s style.
Herrero’s development has also been enhanced by his partnership with Dallas native and co-Chicago transplant, Felix Reyes. Their songwriting and guitar playing collaboration on “Nacogdoches”, “Doggie Blue”, “Leave Me Be” and the boisterous “Problem”, make this CD very special.
Herrero’s vocal and guitar playing abilities alone are very impressive, but when Reyes’ brings his guitar skills to the mix they are an incomparable duo.
This is evidenced with their stellar performance of “What Could Have Been,” which is reprised at the CD’s closing with added production touches. What a great song!
Herrera demonstrates his vibrant vocal range from the outset with a solid rendition of songwriter and producer Don Roby’s “I Don’t Believe,” a quick shuffle backed with guest artists Marty Binder (drums), Jim McKaba (piano) and Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff (horns). And, his presentation of the Robert Guidry (“Bobby Charles”) vintage tome “Jealous Kind” is equally superb.
Herrero also gives homage to an Austin friend, songwriter and musician Matt Powell, with a fine performance of “Halo,” a honky-tonk beat-driven tune with a well-written play on words.
The success of Austin to Chicago, bottom line, is in its simplicity. Herrero and Reyes used vintage musical ‘appliances’ for this production which give it a distinctively rich, old-style blues sound.
Pure and simple, Austin to Chicago is clearly more than just a road trip for Herrero, without a doubt it is an arrival!
- Bev Wilson -
Southwest Blues CD Review - October 2009
Current Reviews -
2009 Reviews - available at our store
