Jon Herington on Steely Dan, playing across genres, guitarists he admires, running his own band and more:
The Daily Music Break’s first interview was via Skye with Steely Dan guitarist Jon Herington via Skype. One of the things that we spoke about is the wide variety of music with which Jon is comfortable. Jon was in The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue — which features Donald Fagan, Boz Scaggs, Catherine Russell, Michael McDonald and others — and has supported Bette Midler, the Jim Beard group, the late Phoebe Snow, Madeleine Peyroux, Bobby Caldwell, Lucy Kaplansky, Jim McDuff and others. He’s played with Wes Montgomery‘s brother and other serious jazz folks.
Clearly, Jon is best known for his ongoing work with Steely Dan. His profile at the band’s site begins with a description of how scary his job is:
“SD’s New Guitar Guy” — arguably one of the most coveted slots in the annals of popular music. And also, potentially, one of the most intimidating; few musical roles receive the same amount of examination, discussion, and debate as does this one. But Jon is handling it all with “perfection and grace”, turning out work which, to our minds, often evokes the melodic and rhythmic heart of cherished recorded versions while simultaneously displaying his own original and powerful musicality. Guitar Player Magazine called Jon a player with “one formidable voice” and “chops of doom”. (Continue Reading…)
It can safely be said that it is not a gig for the faint of heart.
Jon’s playing can be seen on “Aveline,” “Caroline Yes” and his band’s rendition of the Steely Dan song “Chain Lighting.” Dan Espantman is on bass and Frank Pagano is the drummer.
In 2025, Herington is splitting time between Scaggs and Peyroux.
(Photo: Susan Johnson)
