Bim Sherman: Inna Showcase Stylee

The beginning of Bim Sherman’s recording career would come during the first half of the ‘70s. Due to the strict guidelines that the singer worked by, he didn’t release a full length, long player until nearly 1980. That fact is honestly the only reason why Sherman isn’t a better known name in JA music at this point. It can’t be said that his vocals were unmatched or that his politics and life view were drastically detached from his contemporaries, but Sherman was always able to deliver the goods. And later in his career, he would even find ways to expand on the reggae genre – most notably by recording an album with an Indian classical ensemble.

But before his globe trotting musical endeavors took Sherman all over the world, he began writing, recording and releasing singles of his own volition. A few of these efforts have been released as Tribulation on the Pressure Sounds imprint. The songs covering the years 1974 to 1979 include vocal cuts as well as the versions that accompanied each as a single. It makes for an extended listening experience, but one that’s rewarding the entire way through as well - a unique thing to say the least.

Sherman’s first 12 inch album, the 1979 showcase disc Lover’s Leap, isn’t exactly what music fans might expect a full length to be. Firstly, the album isn’t quite thirty minutes long. And even beyond that, the versions that accompany the originals here aren’t all that drastically different than the vocal tracks. It should be an unexpurgated bummer, but the disc still comes off as something of merit.

That being said, the version of “My Brethren” is most notable amongst the spate of would be dubs. Whereas other versions that the disc gives listeners sport just about the same amount of vocal work from Sherman, this dub is all echoes clashing in the background as rim shots and rhythmic guitar playing push the track forward. The other dubs aren’t let downs, just not completely instrumental in nature.

What Sherman’s known for, though, is crooning. So focusing on the dubs isn’t necessarily a utilitarian idea. But Lover’s Leap is in a showcase style (a vocal number, followed by its dub) and warrants comment on both musical and vocal fronts. Regardless, though, Sherman’s in fine form for the most part.

“It is Raining” is a mid paced roots number that finds the singer ruminating on love and life while it pours outside. Don’t be uptight and other such adages fly from his mouth. And in such languid tones, accompanied by amply, keyboard focused music Sherman comes off as a well versed psychiatrist. I’d listen to him, at least.

Figuring that Lover’s Leap is really only made up of five tracks – and five versions – some might believe that Sherman’s disc is gonna wind up getting kinda boring. Because of the production and Sherman’s honest delivery, though, there’s never any such problem. While, this disc might be something of a rarity, the aforementioned compilation should make up for it.