In 2011 Sherman had been touring in Europe, and his British-based group really felt there was a need for new product to be available, and as his last release had been a live album it should be recorded in the studio. Sadly, throughout his career Sherman was quite adverse to recording so never released as much material as one might expect, even though he was a well-known musician (playing on Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ for example), but given they had a few days back in the UK drummer Jamie Little convinced Sherman to book a studio. As well as the touring band of bassist Gary Rackham and keyboard player Jools Grudgings, Jamie also arranged for others to be involved, including O. Pinnock (guitar), Sam Rogers (sax) and trumpet player Bryan Corbett along with backing singers Matt Hoy and Genevieve Sylva, which allowed Sherman to concentrate on lead guitar and vocals.
That day they cut five tracks, of which four are on this EP, and undertook rough mixes which got Sherman really excited. However, nothing was ever truly finished as on the flight back to America Sherman had a stroke from which he never really recovered, and he never set foot on a stage or in a studio ever again. Consequently, what we have here are tracks recorded quickly which have only now just seen the light of day nearly 15 years after they were originally recorded. Although the vocals are lighter, he reminds me somewhat of BB King, while he is described on allmusic.com as “”one part zydeco, one part swamp blues, one part electric blues and one part classic rhythm and blues.” This is where blues meets soul in a manner which is commercial and never too harsh, with the horns certainly adding a very Sixties/Seventies feel as Sherman adds the funk. All credit to Jamie for first of all getting Sherman into the studio, and now for making his final recordings available for all.
Rating: 7/10
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/716245535743308/
https://www.marcusmalone.com/