Prescott Now: How long have you guys been playing together?
Dennis Herrera Band: Since coming to Prescott in 2017, I’ve worked with the best blues musicians that I met through people like Darryl Porras, r.d. Olsen and Scott O’Neal.
I’ve built a good foundation and pretty much continue to work with Robert Church, drummer; Carl Dahlgren and Steve Willis, keyboards; Fred Stark and Mark Winley, bass players; the late Tony DeNapo, saxophonist; Anton Teschner, saxophonist; and Alex Holland, saxophone player.
Prescott Now: What’s the story behind your band’s name?
Dennis Herrera Band: Back in the early days in the ‘70s, I’ve come-up with catchy band names from time to time but discovered later the band name was already taken. I decided to use my name and keep it original, and no one can use it.
It’s since been registered with BMI, Sound Exchange, CDBaby and other publications.
Prescott Now: How do you connect with your audience during a show?
Dennis Herrera Band: My music is all genuine, and I do my best to bring feel-good deep blues music and upbeat dancing tunes to connect with the audience. I step off the stage and walk the room around the audience playing, using a wireless system to engage and make eye contact. I dance a little bit with the dancers, but keep in mind I’m not a good dancer.
I share band stories and call out particular individuals thanking them for being there. I talk about songs and where they came from. I make it fun and we’re able to feed off each other’s energy.
The most memorable moment of my career so far?
I would say recording with my friend and mentor, renowned blues guitarist, producer and band leader Anson Funderburgh and the late Lynwood Slim, a friend and outstanding notable award-winning blues vocalist and harmonica player who helped contribute on my second CD Livin’ Life Not Worryin’.
Prescott Now: How would you describe your sound?
Dennis Herrera Band: I strive for an unmistakable style, tone and sensibility that incorporates Chicago Blues, Texas Blues with a hint of West Coast Blues.
I’m influenced and inspired by blues kings Albert Collins, Lightning Hopkins, Albert King, T-Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, just to name a few. I am greatly influenced by the great blues artists when performing and recording.
Prescott Now: What’s the smallest audience you’ve played for; the biggest?
Dennis Herrera Band: We have played for a very few people to a few thousand people. As long as people are dancing and having fun.
Prescott Now: What motivates your band to perform?
Dennis Herrera Band: Playing live and in Prescott, a vibrant musical community, is always just plain outright fun! Watching folks dance and applaud keeps the band alive and extremely motivated especially when performing new material, which as a matter of fact, we are doing now with the new album I have recorded and released, Dennis Herrera – FOUR.
