Considered one of the top harp players in the country, singer/songwriter AL LERMAN is a journeyman musician who plays with sizzle and a whole lot of soul. His harmonica and saxophone playing have garnered him several Maple Blues Award nominations. He is founder and leader of the 2X Juno Award (Canada's Grammy) winning blues outfit FATHEAD, touring regulary playing festivals, concert halls and roadhouses all across the country. When FATHEAD is not on the road, Al can be found working with a variety of top notch musicians - either as a sideman or fronting. He regularly performs as solo artist accompanying himself on guitar and rack harmonica. He has appeared on critically acclaimed recordings by artists such as MORGAN DAVIS, MEL BROWN, RICK FINES, STEVE PAYNE, RITA CHIARELLI, WILLIE 'BIG EYES' SMITH, LITTLE MACK SIMMONS and countless others. No matter what, you can always expect some downhome blues that shoot straight from the heart. HERE'S WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT AL LERMAN: "One of Canada's finest examples of how good blues harp should be played... and a solid reminder of his skills as a songwriter. You'll find many highlights here as Al struts his stuff. Lerman is a hard-working musician who proves himself worthy of his rightful piece of the pie." -Eric Thom, Roots Music Canada (to view complete review visit http://www.rootsmusic.ca/) "Lerman’s compositions are, for the most part, quietly unassuming mini-masterpieces. He is an absolute master... every note tempered by experience yet delivered with undiminished energy and enthusiasm, and Lerman has clearly taken the time to get things right – despite being his solo debut, this is the work of a mature and thoughtful artist. Lerman has a winner here – highly recommended!" -John Taylor, Blinded By Sound (for complete review visit http://blindedbysound.com) "Strong harp tones ooze from this cd. "Blues So Bad I Could Write A Country Song" is destined for airplay...a definite hit. A very good CD. -Bmans Blues Report, USA (visit http://www.bmansbluesreport.com/2012/02/new-release-al-lerman-crowe-river-blues.html) "Crowe River Blues is relaxed but not lazy, just an all around great blues album. It’s only a matter of time- perhaps even this year- before Lerman earns a Juno outside of Fathead. This is dang tasty stuff!" -John Kereiff, Rossland Radio http://www.rosslandradio.com/node/3391 "Al Lerman is not only a great instrumentalist, but also one mighty fine singer and songwriter". -The Blues Underground “Crowe River Blues is a delightful disc.... a tour de force... a first rate showcase. The next time you see that Al is playing a solo show, be sure to take it in and be sure to get one of these, you won’t be disappointed.” -John Valentyne, Maple Blues magazine (Canada) Al Lerman is one of Canada's finest singer/songwriters and harp players, all evident on Crowe River Blues". -Vince Almond, Blues, Bop & Boogie, CFBX Kamloops, BC Harpist Al Lerman is outstanding!" -Blues Revue (USA) Fathead hit the bull's-eye”. -Frank John Hadley, Downbeat magazine "Special note must be made of Al Lerman who blows a mighty mean harp." -Rock & Blues News (UK) "His brilliant harp creates a classic sound." -Blues Beat (USA) "The song is infused with downhome sass by Al Lerman's harp break." -Living Blues (USA) |
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In this in-depth interview, Al discusses his early years of playing, a few favorite career moments, his influences, and some of his philosphy of making music. |
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