| I'm the Man | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Sherman Robertson |
| Border: | yes |
| Released: | 1994 |
| Recorded: | February 1993 |
| Studio: | Chipping Norton |
| Genre: | Blues, soul |
| Label: | Code Blue/Atlantic |
| Producer: | Mike Vernon |
| Next Title: | Here & Now |
| Next Year: | 1996 |
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. Robertson supported the album with European and North American tours.[3] [4]
Recorded 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.[5] [6] Robertson later stated that he did not care for the production.[7] Robertson had previously spent time playing guitar in the bands of Clifton Chenier, Rockin' Dopsie, and Terrance Simien, but missed playing blues.[8] It was important to Robertson that the lyrics to some of his songs concern more carefree and upbeat themes.[9] "Am I Losing You?" is a cover of the Cate Brothers song.[10]
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."[11] 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." 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."[12]
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."[13] The St. Petersburg Times advised: "Imagine Albert King doing Albert Collins, and you're in the ballpark."[14] The Sun-Sentinel concluded that, "both mellow and blistering, Robertson can sing a blue streak to match his fluid, rhythmic playing."[15]
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."