I just received and have had the opportunity to review the new release by Al Lerman. Lerman is considered one of Canada's top harp players having earned several Maple Leaf Award nominations for both his sax and harmonica playing. He is founder and leader of 2 time Juno Award winning Fathead touring regularly. Crowe River Blues is Lerman's first solo venture with 10 of 13 tracks being originals. Lerner sings and plays guitar on this release and carry's his weight well. The recording opens with Suitcase Blues, an early Texas style blues but with a more acoustic type feel. Strong harp tones ooze from this cd. Chugging the Blues is a harp driven song and one you won't want to miss. Gypsy Feet, more of a country infused blues ballad is well written and has a nice vocal duet. Nobody But Myself To Blame gets the place jumpin' with a Texas swing style track. Instrumentation is particularly interesting on this track featuring harp, sax and piano. Blues So Bad I could Write a Country Song is destined for airplay. It is well constructed, has the story and a great feel. You're the one shows Lerman venturing into Chicago and a good opportunity to give the harp a ride. Harmonica Gumbo is a definite hit on Mardi Gras season with a nice instrumental exploration of Nawlins (loosely based on Iko Iko). She Calls Me River is a funk infused blues song with cool rhythms, keys, and harp. The release finishes up with Solar Power Man, another Nawlins funk based song. In this case vocals added and cool instrumentals to carry you to the end of the cd. Very good first solo!
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Following video not current to the cd.
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