Sherman Robertson: Going Back Home

Sherman Robinson squeezes his Gibson 355 with conviction on Going Back Home (AudioQuest AQ-CD1050;). The aggressive opener, “Guitar Man,” sets the tone for this six-string attack. A decided Albert Collins influence comes across on the stinging Texas shuffle “I Don’t Want No Woman” and he squeezes the juice out of every note on Johnny Copeland’s slow blues, “Me, My Guitar and the Blues.” Backed by his capable band of pianist Bill Payne and drummer Richie Hayward of Little Feat, bassist Bob Glaub of John Fogerty’s band, and tenor sax ace Joe Sublett of the Texacali Horns, Robinson puts a Texas roadhouse feel on the Albert King staple “Don’t Throw Your Love On Me So Strong” and he makes some eloquent statements on the slow minor key blues “I Wonder Why.” “Fall in Love” is a return to Robinson’s Louisiana roots, via the second line rhythms while “Special Kind of Love” is a jaunty horn-driven shuffle that could go over with today’s neo-swing set. He finishes strong with plaintive vocals and urgent blue notes on one of seven originals, “Driving All Night.” Highly recommended for blues fans and guitar enthusiasts in particular.

Originally Published December 1, 1998