Tim Herron and the Great Blue’s album Lift That Stone is a distinctive blues album, creating a peaceful and positive space for listeners. The album is perfect for dancing, listening to yourself on your porch on a summer night, or to ponder the lyrics as they encourage you to embrace life, have fun, and “Lift That Stone.”
Lift That Stone album has received widespread praise and was nominated for the Best Blues at the 2026 Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYS). Tim Herron and the Great Blue have been an influential part of the Upstate NY music scene for years. They are known to blend folk, jazz, rock, and blues into a distinctive mix of American roots music. The groups often perform throughout the region at festivals, clubs, house concerts, and local taverns.
Tim Herron himself has a long history of involvement in the musical world. He has released six albums with Tim Herron Corporation and three solo albums. Herron is also a music teacher as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Oswego, teaching guitar and guitar ensemble. Some of his well-known albums include Sentimental Blues, Picnic Point Serenade, and The Devil Gets the Well.
All of Lift That Stone has the feeling of a perfect summer night, dancing outside with your friends and family, which connects with listeners by perfectly describing relatable, universal experiences that are often difficult to express.
“I’ve Got You” is a mellow, soulful song with a positive upbeat rhythm. Tim Herron and the Great Blues comment on life as a journey that is not linear with ups and downs, but the presence in your life that will always be by your side throughout such journeys. “Let’s slow down and take some time for ourselves,” highlights the need to put aside the craziness of life for a while to see the perfect connection, love, and stability you have right in front of you.
The album continues this theme of support from those around you and positivity in other songs, such as “I Believe in You,” which continues with the theme of a positive upbeat rhythm. The lyrics “Baby Baby I believe in you,” allow for the perfect song to listen to with a partner or friends after a difficult week. This song reminds the listener to be positive, overcome, and that they are not alone, but to embrace the people around them.”
In perfect equilibrium with the positive upbeat rhythms of this album, there are many songs with more languid and slow paces that make listeners want to slow dance in the kitchen with their partner. “Shelter Me” captures this feeling perfectly, with a balanced rhythm that is fast enough to dance in a loose, fun way, but slow enough to have an intimate moment with those around you.
The song “Pocket Knife” highlights familial connection. The lyrics offer life advice a grandfather may tell his grandson, or a father may tell his son. The lyrics “Put one foot in front of another, and move on down the road,” and “I’ll tell you everything before I go” perfectly highlight sentiments that many people may have heard throughout their life from the people that mean the most to them.
Finally, the album includes another universal and relatable feeling, especially after a breakup with a long-term partner. The songs “You Broke Me” and “Good Face” are there to connect with listeners who may be feeling alone or frustrated after a breakup, reminding them they are not alone through a musical connection.
Overall, this album is about connection with others and recognizing the things that really matter in life. Not only are the beats and rhythms of each song positive and make you want to embrace those around you and dance, but the lyrics hold a deeper meaning of sentiments that many people may need to be reminded of.
Stream the album below.
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