I recently caught up with one of my favorite local musicians and all-around good guy, Gus Hergert. I first heard Gus play at Bandito Southside and the Sports Page a couple of years ago and knew he had a knack, but when I heard his new cd, “One Step Closer” I was blown away by how his talent has matured. The title cut has a blues feel with a modern edge. The songs on the cd range from a good-time tune about a camp party on a Friday night to soulful love songs. The variety makes it a go-to listen for me (and everyone I know who owns a copy).

Musical Beginnings

I asked Gus how he got started playing music and he told me that his grandma wanted to give him money to take some sort of music lessons, so he chose the drums. But he says it didn’t take him long to realize he could do so much more with the guitar.

Influence

Gus’ dad was an accomplished guitarist and was voting on the Grammy’s by age 20.He told me his dad was by far his greatest influence, not only musically, but in his life, and that if he can achieve even half of what his dad has, he will be happy.

When asked what his all-time favorite song is, he didn’t hesitate.

“Not just one song—but the B Side of Abbey Road from Golden Slumbers to the end. My dad used to sing me to sleep with those songs, especially ‘Golden Slumber.’”

I came away from this chat with an immense respect for both the elder and younger Hergerts. Obviously, this is a man who has raised his son well and a young man that is striving to be a man that his father will be proud of. I think he is well on his way!

See Gus Live

You can catch Gus next at Carson’s Grill in Hampton Cove on Cinco de Mayo, and I just bet he will have a few copies of his cd there for purchase. Once you hear him, you will want your own copy. You won’t be disappointed and you can say you “knew him when.”