Sherman Robertson - I'm The Man

One of our regulars around here, Guitar Gus, left this one in the shares and I thought it deserved a spot out front and he deserved to present it. 

Sherman  Robertson  is  a  blues singer/guitarist born in Louisiana in 1948 and raised in Houston, Texas . He started playing professionally in his teens in the local bar scene and spent some time, during his formative years, on the road as Bobby Bland’s  guitarist.

Clifton Chenier heard Robertson’s  band  at a Blues Festival in 1982 and invited him to join his band – He appeared on a couple of his albums and stayed with him for 5 years up until Chenier ‘s illness and subsequent death in 1987.

Robertson went on to join the bands of Rockin’ Dopsie and Terrance Simien & the Mallet Playboys. He also made an appearance on Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ album (on the track Crazy Love Vol II).

After going  solo  Robertson released his first album ‘I’m The Man’ in 1993 on the UK Indigo label produced by Mike Vernon , famous for his productions of  John Mayall’s Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton , Peter Green/ Fleetwood Mac’s early recordings and many others. The album received numerous positive reviews, and was nominated  for a W C Handy Award  He has since toured internationally and released further albums, Here & Now (1996) Going Back Home (1998) Guitar Man - Live (2005) all receiving critical acclaim .

Bruce Iglauer , President of Alligator Records, had this to say about him :

“When I saw him...he was on fire .He ruled the stage. had the audience in the palm of his hand, and his just plain physical showmanship reminded  me of Albert Collins... He’s got that Texas energy, great guitar chops, and is a wonderful, soulful singer,”  

It was reported early this year that Robertson had suffered a Stroke but I have been unable to find any up to date reports on his recovery – Here’s hoping  he’s doing well

I got this CD when it was first issued ( now no longer available on the Indigo label) and really enjoyed the songs. his voice and his clean fluid guitar style. It still sounds great today . My rip & scans.

Guitar Gus