One Step Ahead of the Blues is a timeless celebration of the music and legacy of Sherman Holmes.

Born in New Jersey in 1939 and raised in Virginia, Sherman Holmes launched his musical career in 1959 as a founding member of The Holmes Brothers. The band built a devoted following throughout New York and the tri-state area before signing with Rounder Records in 1989, a deal that propelled them to international acclaim. They later joined the Alligator Records roster for five more releases and, in 2014, received a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship -- the nation's highest honor for traditional artists. Following the deaths of bandmates Willie 'Popsy' Dixon and Wendell Holmes in 2015, Sherman channeled his grief into new work, forming The Sherman Holmes Project and releasing The Richmond Sessions in 2017.

Award winning producer Andreas Werner first met The Holmes brothers at a concert in Zurich, Switzerland. Many years later, he reconnected with Sherman Holmes at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2019, reigniting a friendship and creative partnership that has only deepened since. Drawn to Holmes' musical history, personal depth, and philosophy, Werner assembled a stellar team of collaborators to help capture the essence of the man and bring his artistry to new audiences -- including Grammy-nominated songwriter Mark Narmore, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Funky Chester Rhythm Section, and 'The Honorary Holmes Sisters' - Catherine Russell, Joan Osborne, Amy Helm, and Ada Dyer, and more.

The result, One Step Ahead of the Blues, is both a tribute to Holmes' six-decade career and a testament to the enduring power of the music that built it.

Holger Peterson, founder of Stony Plain Records, writer and broadcaster, says 'This album shines the light on the distinctive blues, soul, gospel voice and spirit of Sherman Holmes. Tasteful, impeccable backing, plus intimate production by Andreas Werner.

Track Listing

• One Step Ahead of the Blues
• Your Livin' Does Your Preachin'
• Voices in the Hall
• Strike While the Iron Is Hot
• The Blues Done Got My Soul
• Oh America (Still Standing)
• One More Go 'Round
• Prophet in Another Land
• Fair to Midland
• I'm So Lonely
• Change My Heart

Additional Details

Label: Nola Blue Records

Genre: Blues

Language: English

Run Time: 40:49 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 10/09/26

UPC: 780518514366