ERNESTO HERNANDEZ

West Off Bridge

2009-05-11

“West Off Bridge” is a collection of songs played by friends for friends. Led by local guitarist, lyricist, and vocalist Ernesto Hernandez, Jr., the four-piece blues/jazz ensemble interprets Hernandez’s songs and two covers with occasional imprecision but with constant sincerity. What the album lacks as a result of its sometimes accidental production quirks and performance errors, it makes up in genuineness and originality. The idea of a bunch of friends getting together to create something they love never gets old, and Mr. Hernandez and his band, while not likely to make a lot of audible noise over the sounds being made by countless bands like them, satisfy listeners with an appreciation for simple, artistic sincerity.