For Hernando, the North Mississippi Allstars’ fifth studio album and first since 2005’s Grammy-nominated Electric Blue Watermelon, the trio strip it down to their blues-rock essentials. Drummer Cody Dickinson and bassist Chris Chew jam in lock-step, leaving plenty of space for guitarist Luther Dickinson to display his fluid classic rock, blues and boogie riffs. Produced by their dad, legendary Memphis producer Jim Dickinson at his “barn” and recording studio, Hernando flows with the naturally relaxed vibe that comes when no one is watching the studio clock. “Eaglebird” provides a boogie. “I Want Love To Be A Hippie” and “Long Way From Home” work out slow blues. “Blow Out” kicks with a twist of rockabilly, and they add barrelhouse piano for “Mizzip.” Dickinson’s guitar solos are kept tasteful and without self-indulgence. In the tradition of Cream, Robin Trower and any worthwhile power trio from the late ‘60s - early ‘70s, North Miss never overfuss but keep it loud and pure.