“Jon Herington is the veteran touring and recording guitarist for Steely Dan and The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue (featuring Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, and Michael McDonald), and the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the New York City based JON HERINGTON BAND. Jon’s newest solo release, “Time On My Hands,” (his follow-up to earlier albums “shine (shine shine)” and “Like So”) reflects the bluesy, driving rock that had its gestation in the club scene.”
The Jon Herington band is made up of Dennis Espantman (Bass, Vocals), Frank Pagano (Drums, Vocals) and of course Jon himself on guitar and vocals. There are also contributions on this album from Donald Fagen, Jim Beard (Steely Dan), Danny Louis (Gov’t Mule) and Rob Morsberger. ‘Time On My Hands’ is a mixture of funk, blues and rock with some Jazz influenced guitar solos as you can imagine from someone who has been a member of Steely Dan since 1999. The album has a very live feel, I imagine much of it was recorded in a single take to really keep that club vibe that Jon was going for, the opening track “Shine Shine Shine” sets the mood with the sounds of an audience talking and clapping throughout. Jon has drawn from many musical influences which is evident as the album progresses, “Sweet Ginny Rose” for example has a classic Jungle Rhythm giving it a 50′s Rock n’ Roll feel with modern guitar lines and a husky vocal more akin to a Southern Rock band. There’s also slow ballads such as “I Ain’t Got You” with warbling Hammond and stabbing guitar chords which apparently is a tribute to Al Green. There’s also a blues shuffle, “Caroline Yes” and “The Bucket Song” sounds like something James Brown could have written.
It really is a diverse album and has some amazing guitar playing, “I Hear They Shoot Horses” has one of my favourite guitar solos both in terms of tone and phrasing but to be honest Jon Herington’s playing throughout is stunning there isn’t a bad song on the album.
Find out more over at Jon Herington’s website.
