ALBUM REVIEW
Donna Herula - Cold Feet
Donna Herula is a killer blues guitarist and singer out of Chicago who absolutely tears it up on the acoustic slide. She’s got a deep love for old-school Delta and country blues, taking cues from legends like Son House and Memphis Minnie, but she plays with a fresh, foot-stomping energy that’s completely her own. When she isn't touring or recording, she hangs out at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, teaching the next generation how to nail those classic fingerpicking styles.
Her albums have picked up tons of love and high praise in the roots scene, regular climbing up the blues charts for their great songwriting and slide work. Whether she’s playing a driving, high-energy groove or a stripped-back, emotional acoustic track, she knows exactly how to keep the old-school spirit alive without ever feeling stuck in the past.
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Opening with ON MY WAY HOME, a cool, acoustic instrumental track , showcases Donna Herula on a National Tricone slide guitar while Tony Wittrock provides the supportive acoustic harmony lines and Jon Shain contributes complementary guitar work. Solid opener. Title track, COLD FEET, a funk rocker bringing to mind the great groove of Creedence featuring Herula on lead vocal central soloist with sharp electric slide guitar fills cutting through a steady backing with Wittrock and Shain on guitars, Marc Edelstein on bass and Beedy Eyes Smith on drums. Backing vocals by Kary Ream, Rebecca Toon really add nicely to the mix on this super radio track.
Skip James', CYPRESS GROVE BLUES begins with atmospheric darkness but develops into a cool, contemporary blues track. Herula develops the tracks nicely with her adept use of her resonator and nicely orchestrated electric slide guitar work by Wittrock. WHAT YOU GONNA DO? is a cool, sassy track with soulful vocals by Herula and featuring Steve Eisen on sax and BB King like phrasing by Shain.
THINGS CAN CHANGE is my favorite track on the release with it's R&B rhythm and some of Herula's best vocals on the release. John Jochem on harmonica adds some real depth and the rich organ work by Alton Smith and backing vocals by Candy LaFlora make this the whole package. Wrapping the release is a fired up cover of Elmo James', DUST MY BROOM with Herula ripping on slide. With Wittrock keeping rhythm, Edelstein on bass, and Beedy Eyes holding it tight, this is an excellent closer for a power filled release.
📋 Album Credits & Production Info
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- Album Title Cold Feet
- Artist Donna Herula
- Record Label Self-Released
- Release Date September 18, 2026
- Personnel Donna Herula (Guitars, Vocals), Tony Wittrock (Guitars), Marc Edelstein (Bass), Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith (Drums), Jon Shain (Guitars), Alton Smith (Keyboards), Anne Harris (Violin), John Jochem (Harmonica), Steve Eisen (Saxophone), Rick Barnes (Percussion), Candy LaFlora (Backing Vocals), Kary Ream (Backing Vocals), Rebecca Toon (Backing Vocals)
- Studio Production Recorded and mixed in Chicago at Rax Trax Recording by Rick Barnes; Produced by Jon Shain.
🎼 Track Listing & Personnel
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Featured Personnel & Masters: Tony Wittrock, Marc Edelstein, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, Jon Shain, Alton Smith, and Donna Herula.
- On My Way Home
- Cold Feet
- Honey Darlin' Baby Please
- Cypress Grove Blues
- Backseat Driver
- What You Gonna Do?
- Wish I Could See You Again
- Things Can Change
- Float to Heaven
- Dust My Broom
📺 Session Video Performance
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Watch: Donna Herula play live sessions from Cold Feet
🎵 Discography & Purchase Options
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| Album Title | Record Label | Accreditation | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Feet | Self-Released | Acoustic Blues, Slide Guitar & Roots Outing | 2026 |
| Bang at the Door | Self-Released | Critically Acclaimed Chicago & Delta Blues Album | 2021 |
My take
This record delivers a great mix of slick acoustic picking and upbeat grooves that blend older traditions with catchy, modern radio hooks. Supported by a fantastic studio band and standout vocals, the project keeps up a lively, enjoyable energy from the quiet opener right through to the fiery finish.
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