Foghat Still Running Strong

On its new album, "Under the Influence," legendary boogie and blues rockers Foghat show that 40 years on from "Slow Ride," the rhythm is still right, not to mention that undeniable slide guitar.

"Under the Influence," released in June, is a raucous rock-and-roll celebration. The disc's title refers to the band's musical influences - the rollicking title track name checks Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. Additional standouts include the infectious "She's Got a Ring In His Nose" and the down-and-dirty "Heart Gone Cold" and "All Because of You."

Foghat also hammer out an energetic version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and a newly recorded take of "Slow Ride," their all-time classic rock hit. The band, led by drummer Roger Earl, also includes guitarist Bryan Bassett, singer-guitarist Charlie Huhn and bassist Craig MacGregor.

"Under the Influence" has sparked deserved renewed interest in the band. The album hit No. 17 on the Billboard Hard Rock albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard Independent chart, marking Foghat's first Billboard appearances since 1983.

The disc is also a treat for its guest list, which includes Savoy Brown guitarist Kim Simmonds, blues singer Dana Fuchs, Buddy Guy alumni Scott Holt on vocals and guitars, and Grammy winning producer/songwriter Tom Hambridge on percussion.

There's a special connection between Foghat and Simmonds. Several members of Foghat played with Savoy Brown before forming their own group, and it's great to hear Simmonds provide scorching six-string work on "Under the Influence," "Upside of Lonely" and "Made Up My Mind."

Foghat perform at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 31 at the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Augusta (Sussex County). For more information on the show and festival go to balloonfestival.com. For more on Foghat, visit foghat.net.

We recently spoke with Roger Earl.

"Under the Influence" was funded through a Pledgemusic campaign, which says a lot about the dedication of Foghat fans.

Our fans have been absolutely fantastic and have always been there for us. It's pretty impressive that they trusted us enough to make as good a record as we possibly could. We got so many requests for signed CDs and for the double-vinyl version, which is going to be released in September. Even for my used drum sticks. I can't throw them out anymore because we'd run out of them to sign.

The album title speaks to your blues and early rock-and-roll influences, and the music has a celebratory feel to it.

That's exactly what we wanted to convey. We wrote songs that had a feel and influence form the past. We wanted to do something really special. That's also why we decided to bring in some old friends like Kim Simmonds. After he played the solo on "Upside of Lonely" he got a standing ovation in the studio. It was really an enjoyable time for everybody and I'm very pleased with it.

You've been at it now for 45 years. What do you think of when you reflect on your career and Foghat's longevity?

I love what I do and it's all that I've wanted to do since I started playing at 12 or 13. I'm one of the fortunate few who gets to do this for a living We have a lot of time. Sometimes we've been accused of having too much fun, but that's another story. We put a lot into what we do and care about our fans. We care about playing and putting on a good show and getting it right.

"Under the Influence" includes a new recording of your signature song, "Slow Ride." I guess you don't get tired of playing it?

Not at all, and it's still as popular as it ever was. We get all ages saying how much they love it. It's very gratifying after all these years to get that kind of reception. At first the head of the record label didn't want to put it out as a single. He said it was too long. It was one of the few times the band insisted on a single.

You're playing on Sunday at the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning. Do you plan on taking a balloon ride?

My wife is a skydiver and she's really excited about it. I have to say I'm a little more grounded.