'Groove Me Baby' by Bobby Hernandez (1978) Full Album

Groove Me, Baby by Bobby Hernandez (1978)

Dive into the mysterious world of "Groove Me, Baby," the one and only album from enigmatic desert rock guitarist Bobby Hernandez. Released in 1978 on the short-lived Mirage Records label, this instrumental masterpiece blends psychedelic rock, blues, and southwestern atmospherics into a unique sonic tapestry that has captivated listeners for decades.

The Artist
Bobby Hernandez emerged from the sun-baked landscapes of the American Southwest, his origins as mysterious as the music he created. The album cover features Hernandez, face obscured by the brim of a wide cowboy hat, his beat-up Fender Stratocaster slung low, standing alone in a vast desert expanse at twilight.

The Music
"Groove Me, Baby" takes listeners on a journey through eight instrumental tracks, each showcasing Hernandez's exceptional guitar work and his gift for creating evocative, cinematic soundscapes.

"Sandcastles in a Snowstorm" opens the album with shimmering guitar arpeggios and a driving rhythm section.

"The Silence Between Raindrops" is a slow-burning blues meditation that builds to a cathartic crescendo.

"Two Socks, No Shoes, All Rhythm" injects a playful energy with its syncopated groove and twangy lead lines.

"The Boatman's Invisible Paddle" takes listeners on a psychedelic journey down an imaginary river.

"Midnight Without The Moon" showcases Hernandez's softer side with its dreamy, reverb-drenched melodies.

"Caffeinated Windchimes" picks up the pace with its jittery, energetic riffs and propulsive drumming.

"Five Miles of Neon Dust" paints a vivid picture of a neon-lit desert highway at night.

"Clouds That Taste Like Copper" closes the album with an epic, storm-like build-up of swirling guitars and thunderous percussion.

The Band
Hernandez is backed by a tight rhythm section, though their identities remain as mysterious as the guitarist himself. Rumors have circulated for years about the possible involvement of several well-known session musicians of the era, but nothing has ever been confirmed.

The Sound
Recorded at the legendary Sonic Ranch studios just outside El Paso, Texas, "Groove Me, Baby" benefits from the natural acoustics of the adobe-walled room and the innovative techniques of producer Jack "Desert Heat" Thompson. The album's sound is expansive yet intimate, capturing the vastness of the southwestern landscape while maintaining the raw energy of a live performance.

Legacy and Mystery
"Groove Me, Baby" stands as a cult classic in the annals of instrumental rock. Its influence can be heard in the works of later desert rock acts and psychedelic revivalists. The album's legend is only enhanced by the complete disappearance of Bobby Hernandez shortly after its release. Despite numerous investigations by music journalists and fans over the years, no trace of Hernandez has ever been found, leading to wild speculation about his fate.

For modern listeners, this album offers a time capsule of late '70s guitar wizardry and a tantalizing mystery. Whether you're a long-time fan of psychedelic desert rock or a curious newcomer, "Groove Me, Baby" provides a timeless listening experience that continues to intrigue and inspire more than four decades after its release.