Sherman Holmes of The Holmes Brothers to Release 1st Solo Recording On July 21

On July 21, Sherman Holmes will release his first solo recording in his 50+ year career. The Richmond Sessions by The Sherman Holmes Project carries on the spirit of the Holmes Brothers by re-imagining songs and making them their own. The record will be released by M.C. Records and maintains a bluesgrass/gospel vibe throughout that surprises and delights.

Sherman Holmes’ solo debut The Richmond Sessions  can’t help being a milestone: It’s the esteemed singer and bassist’s first recording since the passing of his brother and musical partners, Wendell Holmes and Popsy Dixon, both in 2015. But his solo debut, dedicated to the memories of Wendell and Popsy, is no somber affair. The blend of bluegrass, gritty rock & roll and joyful gospel will be familiar from Holmes Brothers days. And with some of his strongest vocals on record, the album shows Sherman is still an artist in his prime.

Produced by Jon Lohman, Virginia State Folklorist and Director of the Virginia Folklife Program at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, The Richmond Sessions draws from Holmes’ longstanding Virginia roots. Lohman made the new album a Virginia-style family affair, bringing in guests like the Ingramettes—Richmond’s “first family of gospel” of 50 years standing—and instrumentalists like dobro master Rob Ickes, twice nominated for Grammy Awards; and Sammy Shelor, multi-time IBMA banjoist of the year. Another notable guest is long time friend of the Holmes Brothers, Joan Osborne, who duets with Holmes on the Dan Penn classic, “Dark End of the Street.”

Look for Sherman to hit the road for his first tour as a solo artist. “I’m really looking forward to getting out there,” he says. “That’s my life, man.”

Sherman Holmes Project Tour Dates
July 13 – Summer Arts Festival, Huntington NY
July 16 – Mountain Stage Taping, Charleston WV
August 2 – Music City Roots Taping, Nashville TN
Sept. 1 – Joe Wilson Memorial Festival, Galax, Virginia
Sept. 2 – Song of The Mountains Taping, Marion VA
October 14 – Richmond Folk Festival, Richmond VA

The Sherman Holmes Project: The Richmond Sessions
Featuring Rob Ickes, Sammy Shelor, The Legendary Ingrametttes & Joan Osborne