Edward Huerta… so what is he? Painter? Drummer? Rock and roll star? Wild guy from Long Beach, Cali? I dunno really, Edward is a Renaissance man trying to break even in a business where he might be better off not trying. You may remember my writing about his paintings here a couple of months back, but it is Edward Huerta the guiding hand behind power pop band Rockford we are here to discuss.
Edward has mentioned his band to me several times but since I’m here and he is there I haven’t had the opportunity to see Rockford. Edward, however, is a career rock and roll criminal. This is off his bio: “World renowned artist and writer Edward Huerta, “The Prince of Primitive”, was born in Los Angeles and currently resides in Long Beach, California. A longtime musician, Edward has played in several L.A./O.C. bands, including The Jack Brewer Band, The Lazy Cowgirls, The Final Tourguides, Moist and Meaty, Mind Over 4, The Silly Millions to name just a few.”
The band themselves, named after Jim Rockford (aka James Garner) and the town Cheap Trick are from are Jeff Beals, Jon Melkerson, John Kelly, Ed Huerta and Scott Dibble. Rockford formed in 2012 and have been playing constantly around Long Beach and finally we cann all heard what the hooplah is all about, with their first song “Went Away”. The song sounds almost exactly like late 1970s power pop, all melodic guitar runs, like the dB’s without the quirkiness. It’s all about the guitar solo bridge at the midway point; very exciting and sweet.
Grade: B+