AL LERMAN is a lifelong musician with a highly personal style. With a great knowledge of the blues tradition on both harmonica and guitar, he brings that sensibility to songs that he's written about his own contemporary life and times. His soulful delivery, coupled with wry and thoughtful songwriting, make him an engaging and compelling solo performer. He is equally at home playing an intimate house concert as he on a large festival stage. Easy going with a wonderful sense of humour, he is considered among the top harmonica players in the country, and has been heard on countless recordings and live sessions.
Lerman was founder/leader of the much-loved band FATHEAD and led them from 1992-2016, garnering two JUNO AWARDS. After years of writing for FATHEAD as well as his own solo recordings, he has amassed an impressive legacy of songs. He is also a long time member of the renowned Maple Blues Band.
Al has been nominated for twenty-six Maple Blues Awards, celebrating his work as a harmonica player, songwriter, acoustic act and more. His latest release is called “Country-Fried Blues” .
THE EARLY YEARS: Al was around 12 years old when he was first taken to see the famed duo Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee at Toronto’s iconic Riverboat coffeehouse. His burgeoning interest in music immediately skyrocketed. Over the years he saw the duo no less than forty times!! In his teens he would soon discover many other blues greats who were regularly touring through the city. Eventually playing in local Toronto blues bands such as Backtrack, Ginhouse, Grizzly Bear and Mondo Combo, he sought out many of his musical heroes, seeking both advice and inspiration. He also worked for several years in a duo with Morgan Davis, and appears on several of his albums. Al considers himself extremely fortunate to have sat in with blues giants such as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Sunnyland Slim, Paul Butterfield, Albert Collins, and many more. A solid friendship ensued with Chicago harmonica player Carey Bell who mentored him on the instrument.
Hearing Al now, there is no doubt he learned his lessons well. He has played this forward and often hosts instructional harmonica workshops at various festivals and music camps across the country. A solid fixture on the blues & roots scene for over fifty years, music not only runs through his veins, it is embedded deep into his bones.
www.allermanmusic.com
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