Hermon Hitson New CD Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Earlier this year, as I have mentioned in a previous post, I had the opportunity of speaking to Hermon Hitson and he told me that he was working on a new CD. A few weeks back, Hermon kindly sent me over a copy to review.

The new CD is called “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” released on Hermon's Sweet Rose Express label. The CD has 8 tracks and features 5 covers and 3 excellent new songs from Hermon. The CD was recorded in Atlanta earlier this year and features Freddie Terrell and Freddie Beyah on guitars; Leslie Parks on bass; Kenny Wells and Big Jody on keyboards and John Khaleela on drums.

Here is a breakdown of the tracks:-

This Time (We’re Gonna Make It)

The CD gets off to a fine start with a song inspired by Hermon’s late friend Joe Tex who helped him write the song in Alabama during a break in their tour . The song is a slow beater and you can imagine Joe singing it and Hermon does a great job on the singing. His voice is a s gritty as ever with undertones of Womack and Pickett and he uses double tracking of his voice to great effect on this side. The song also features some lovely restrained guitar work from Hermon and Freddie. The song has a great break with Hermon screaming our “We’re Gonna Make It” before coming back strongly as the band build to a climax.

California Dreaming

Hermon and the band produce a very atmospheric version of the Womack classic and Hermon’s singing suits this side. Hermon’s lived in vocals sound perfect over a sparse instrumental backing and really allow him to shine. There is also some nice acoustic guitar playing in there which adds to the atmosphere and the whole track is held together by some fine percussion from John Khaleela. As Hermon says at one point – “Freddie Terrell play it for me!”

I’m In Love

Hermon does another cover of a Womack tune and again Hermon’s voice suits this classic song. The growls and spits his way through this groover like Womack and Pickett before and he sounds so at home on these kind of sides. The girl backing singers are a treat on this side and help make this an excellent interpretation of one of my favourite soul songs.

Lover’s Question

This is a catchy version of the Lloyd Price classic and sounds a lot of fun!

Hey Joe

Hermon knew Hendrix from his time in Atlanta and this version of the classic side is in the same league as the Lee Moses version. Hermon’s guitar playing is still exceptionally strong. You can see how Johnny Brantley, his old producer in the 60’s, used his playing to mimic Hendrix. However, for me Hermon’s vocals like Lee Moses in the past are far superior to Hendrix.

Sugar

Hermon actually makes this pop record soulful in the same way Pickett did in the past!!!

The Heart

This is another fine original song from Hermon and probably the highlight of the album. A killer tune which opens with Hermon moaning for his baby. You can tell straight away from the instrumental break that this is going to be good!!! A great heartfelt story line backed up by the girl singers making it one of the best tunes I have heard this year and worth the price of the CD alone.

Time For Love

A more funky offering from Hermon on another original song. It has a strong jerky backing of burbling bass and organ with a good chorus from the girl backing singers. There are some lovely under stated guitar runs from Hermon on this one and again his vocals are so strong!

If you want to buy a copy of the CD then drop by Hermon and Freddie’s website.

I will shortly be posting the interview I did with Hermon over on my Dark End Of The Street blog. The interview will also appear in the next issue of NSoul.