Herff Jones
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Herff Jones

Mystic, Connecticut, United States | SELF

Mystic, Connecticut, United States | SELF
Band Alternative Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"Keeping up with the Joneses -- Herff Jones, that is by Rick Koster"


You know how the speeding times of the world have literally rewired people's brains? How, as such, no one under 30 has an attention span of over 14 seconds?

This explains why, when you try to give a Young Person some musical context, suggesting that if they like A or B contemporary artist, they might also enjoy going back and checking out C or D historical artist who provided a blueprint - they look at you blankly and quickly scramble to download a new app they didn't have when the day started.

I recently and innocently mentioned to a Young Person the up-and-coming Mystic band Herff Jones. I said HJ tunes such as "Well, Oh Well," "Brainyard" and "Momentary Collapse" recalled, oh, Fairport Convention's "Chelsea Morning" or Wishbone Ash's "Sometime World."

No response.

Oh, well. It's still true. Herff Jones plays Friday at Green Park in Mystic as part of a free show also featuring 28 Strings and Phil and Chuck. See what you think.

- RICK KOSTER

Herff Jones, 28 Strings, Phil and Chuck,

4-9 p.m. Friday, Mystic Green Park, Cottrell Street, Mystic; free;

herffjones.tk - The Day


"Herff Jones plays the Workshop tonight by Rick Koster"


Part of the fun of watching and listening to the Mystic pop band Herff Jones is they’re at that intoxicating point of development where all things seem to be possible.



Ideas seem to burst forth like star shells — and they seem to have a dizzying array of musical possibilities to draw from, including melodic folk, overdrive-rock, melancholy melodies and spoken-word parts that spring from hip-hop to Moody Blues space poetry.



If you haven’t seen them, they’ll be at the Workshop Performance Space in Mystic tonight. Other uprising bands on the bill include Steve Irwin and the Stingrays, Fish House and Art of Kanley. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Workshop at 40 Washington St., and admission is $8; (407) 496-2525. - The Day


"Herff Jones at the Rock Fix 1/28/12 by Peter Huoppi"

Herff Jones performs 'War-torn Symmetry' at The Rock Fix in New London's Crocker House Ballroom as part of Hygienic XXXIII on 1/28/12. - theday.com


"Keeping up with the (Herff) Joneses by Rick Koster and Peter Huoppi"

This episode of our Song Spinner series, which takes you inside the hearts, minds and hands of local musicians and their creative process, reveals the story of "Momentary Collapse" by Herff Jones.



BIO: Herff Jones is a five-piece Mystic rock band comprising drummer Tyler "T-Bob" Crawford, guitarist Dylan Rigolini, guitarist/vocalist Joey Hilbert, vocalist Blair Smith, and bassist Pat Crawford.



SOUND: Ranging in age from 18 to 22, the musicians' style and songwriting are wise and clever beyond their years: electric and acoustic guitar parts weave contrapuntally; the hooky structures involve groove as well as seismic time shifts; male/female vocal harmonies are riverine; and the tongue-in-groove Crawford Brothers rhythm section is a master cylinder. Herff Jones references alt- and folk rock acts from Phish and Arcade Fire back down the years to Renaissance and Wishbone Ash - some of which they may not be aware of. This betokens unerring instincts - but comparisons are never made at the expense of their originality.



HOW THE TUNE CAME ABOUT: The song dates back to the early days of the band when they experimented with a flurry of ideas and song fragments. Hilbert came up with the original guitar riff, and he and Smith wrote lyrics and a basic melody. A second guitar part was added and, from that skeletal structure, the instrumentation and form evolved organically through the whole band jamming. Smith's lead vocal melody remains consistent, and Hilbert typically will meander a varying harmony below - making each recitation of the tune intriguingly unique.



WHAT IS "MOMENTARY COLLAPSE" ABOUT? It chronicles a gradual descent into alcoholism - although the situation could apply to any general addiction - and addresses the subsequent loneliness and depression of the condition. Band members acknowledge the impetus for the concept came from seeing such situations in their circle of friends.



WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Herff Jones is in the process of recording a batch of songs for a release - hopefully by spring.



FOR MORE FUN: Herff Jones headlines tonight at the first birthday party for the Workshop Rehearsal and Performance Space in Mystic. (See accompanying story.) - The Day


Discography

War-Torn EP (on soundcloud)

Photos

Bio

Formed in the fall of 2010, we are a five-piece ranging in age from 19 to 21. Though we are pressed to label ourselves “rock”, our songs are determined only by duende, allowing us to move freely through method and mood in an attempt to develop a unique sound through acoustic and electric balance. Female/male vocal harmonies intertwine over beautifully blended acoustic and electric guitar parts which are all wrapped up by dynamic rhythm sections with complex yet mild bass lines and effective drum parts ranging from jazz to hip hop beats. Having cultivated a following among the local public and press and completed a five track demo that we are proud of, Herff Jones is ready to move forward.