Al Lerman – lead vocals, harmonica, guitars
Alec Fraser – bass, guitar, backing vocals
Jimmy Bowskill – mandolin, fiddle, guitars, backing vocals
Chuck Keeping – drums, percussion
Steve O’Connor – keys

Produced by Alec Fraser

Al Lerman has been a long-time mainstay on the Canadian Blues scene. Included in his noteworthy resume is a 24 year stretch as founder / leader of the always soulful, two-time Juno Award winning band, Fathead, (1992-2016). Over time Lerman has shown himself to be a fine songwriter while laying his claim as one of the best harp players in the country.
It was shortly after the dissolution of Fathead, that Lerman embarked on a solo career as kind of a one-man band. In doing so, he expertly matched his rack harmonica with (primarily) acoustic guitar, and “authentic” vocals on superb well crafted songs. On record, Lerman fleshed out his sound with mostly full band efforts by recruiting talented musicians in his sphere to help get the message out.
Lerman’s latest, (his 5th), release, Country-Fried Blues, builds all on that came before to deliver – in this writer’s opinion – his best record to date. Utilizing Jimmy Bowskill’s studio – a converted farm house that supplied the vibe – Lerman and an unmatched supporting cast lay down 13 numbers, counting 9 Lerman originals. “C-FB” is primarily an off-the-floor recording with minimal overdubs. For those in need of categorization the release is a Blues / Roots / Americana amalgam provided in a generous 47plus minutes of soul satisfying music.
What can’t be overstated is the overriding natural, organic feel of the entire session. Nothing is forced; nothing is overplayed. For example, if a number calls for a mandolin; it’s added in a supportive role. In short, songs are allowed to breathe, and make their mark or leave an impression based on their own respective merits.
Highlights abound, my personal favourites include, (in no particular order):
The Southern Soul inflected ”How Much Longer Can A Broken Heart Last”
The string band / old time Blues treatment of Robert Johnson’s “Come In My Kitchen”
The Jimmy Reed influenced “That’s What Friends Are For”
That leaves 10 more songs; any one of which that I could easily be convinced to add to the above mentioned list.
It’s recommended that you buy a copy of Country-Fried Blues, and pick your own favourites.

– Rico Ferrara