I'm the Man is the debut album by the American musician Sherman Robertson, released in 1994.[1][2] It was initially released by Indigo Recordings, in 1993.[3] Robertson supported the album with European and North American tours.[4][5]
| I'm the Man | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1994 | |||
| Recorded | February 1993 | |||
| Studio | Chipping Norton | |||
| Genre | Blues, soul | |||
| Label | Code Blue/Atlantic | |||
| Producer | Mike Vernon | |||
| Sherman Robertson chronology | ||||
| ||||
Production
editRecorded at Chipping Norton Recording Studios in February 1993, the album was produced by Mike Vernon, and was the first release on his Code Blue imprint.[6][7] Robertson later stated that he did not care for the production.[8] Robertson had previously spent time playing guitar in the bands of Clifton Chenier, Rockin' Dopsie, and Terrance Simien, but missed playing blues.[9] It was important to Robertson that the lyrics to some of his songs concern more carefree and upbeat themes.[10] "Am I Losing You?" is a cover of the Cate Brothers song.[11]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [12] |
| Chicago Tribune | [13] |
The Edmonton Journal wrote that "the double-time pulse of his music owes more to Louisiana shuffles than the 1-4-5 progression of Chicago blues."[3] The Chicago Tribune noted that, "instead of utilizing Gulf Coast grooves, Vernon furnishes his charge with pop-slanted material reminiscent of Robert Cray's crossover strategy that adeptly showcases Robertson's soulful vocals."[13] The Guardian determined that Robertson "has a pleasant, easy vocal style and he's a technically accomplished guitarist, but there's no real soul or depth to his work, proficient as he may be."[14]
The Times opined that I'm the Man falls "rather too neatly into the upmarket, blues-with-soul niche carved to such endlessly resounding effect by Robert Cray."[15] The St. Petersburg Times advised: "Imagine Albert King doing Albert Collins, and you're in the ballpark."[16] The Sun-Sentinel concluded that, "both mellow and blistering, Robertson can sing a blue streak to match his fluid, rhythmic playing."[17]
AllMusic wrote that "I'm the Man is a fine album of electric blues and bluesy soul that underscores the singer/guitarist's Houston, TX, upbringing."[12]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I'm Your Man" | |
| 2. | "Somebody's Messin'" | |
| 3. | "Am I Losing You?" | |
| 4. | "Special Kind of Loving" | |
| 5. | "Make It Rain" | |
| 6. | "Out of Sight Out of Mind" | |
| 7. | "Linda Lou" | |
| 8. | "Home of the Blues" | |
| 9. | "Our Good Thing Is Through" | |
| 10. | "Vacating the Blues" | |
| 11. | "Helping Hand" | |
| 12. | "Take a Message" |
References
edit- ^ "Sherman Robertson Biography by Richard Skelly". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- ^ Herzhaft, Gerard (1997). Encyclopedia of the Blues. University of Arkansas Press. p. 175.
- ^ a b Levesque, Roger (28 Mar 1994). "How about a little lutex? Bluesman serves up own special musical cocktail". Edmonton Journal. p. B7.
- ^ Barber, Austin (Jun 3, 1993). "Blues master is surely the man". Birmingham Post. p. 10.
- ^ Weatherford, Mike (24 Feb 1995). "Sherman Robertson". Las Vegas Review-Journal. p. 2E.
- ^ "Tank top Sherman". Herald News. Surrey. Jun 3, 1993. p. 29.
- ^ Morris, Chris (Oct 8, 1994). "Atlantic to market, distribute British blues label Code Blue". Billboard. Vol. 106, no. 41. p. 12.
- ^ The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings. Penguin. 2006. p. 547.
- ^ Aiges, Scott (17 Mar 1995). "Blues Creeps Back to Front of Zydeco Ace's Passions". The Times-Picayune. p. L9.
- ^ "Touch of the blues". Manchester Evening News. May 31, 1993. p. 6.
- ^ Wise, Brian (Aug 7, 1994). "R.P.M.". Agenda. The Age. p. 7.
- ^ a b "I'm the Man Review by Alex Henderson". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- ^ a b Dahl, Bill (26 Jan 1995). "Recordings". Tempo. Chicago Tribune. p. 8.
- ^ Denselow, Robin (24 June 1994). "Blues". Features. The Guardian.
- ^ Sinclair, David (15 July 1994). "New Albums". Features. The Times.
- ^ Green, Tony (2 June 1995). "Sherman Robertson". Weekend. St. Petersburg Times. p. 18.
- ^ Schulman, Sandra (18 June 1995). "Robertson Is on His Own". Sun-Sentinel. p. 3F.