Search - Bim Sherman :: Miracle

MUST BE A DREAM...

Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 07/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""...look at those beautiful black locks -- don't you relaize they are made of gold...?" sings Bim Sherman on the first track, one of three remakes of classic songs from his catalogue. The man's voice is where the gold is for the listener -- there's no one singing any form of reggae/dub music that can touch this honey-coated instrument. It is a thing of beauty indeed, and a joy to experience.The production by On-U Sound legend Adrian Sherwood, with players Skip McDonald and Talvin Singh is unusual in several ways -- and perfect in all of them. Sherwood's usual heavy/dub techniques are toned down or missing here altogether; and with no drumkit the songs are still very rhythmical, but without the 'dancehall' feel of many other releases. The arrangements on this disc are not what reggae listeners may be used to hearing -- Sherman's incredible vocals are backed by acoustic guitar (Skip McDonald, and probably Sherman, though he's uncredited here) bass (the formidable Doug Wimbish), percussion & tabla (Talvin Singh), and some sumptuous (but not overbearing) strings. There are some light, tasteful keyboard touches here and there (uncredited). McDonald and Carlton 'Bubblers' Ogilivie provide some really nice backing vocals as well.As an example of the unusual arrangements, track 2, 'Bewildered', is made up of Bim's voice, backed by tabla and strings, with just a dash of acoustic guitar arriving near the end. The strings are by the Studio Beats Orchestra of Bombay, India, arranged by Suraj Sathe -- and they definitely have an Indian feel to them. The effect is different but very appropriate and pleasing.Most of the compositions are authored by Sherman (whose real name is Jarrett Vincent) or co-authored with others. The other re-makes are his wonderful 'Just can't stand it', which originally appeared outside of Jamaica on his sadly out-of-print lp 'Danger', and 'Missing you', from his 'Century' album. These tracks are still available in earlier versions on a cd collection of original Jamaican recordings.The album overall has a gentle sound -- but there's a power in these songs, brought through Bim's voice and the great songwriting. This is emotional music, not an 'easy listening' stab at reggae.It'll be interesting to see if Sherman's popularity enjoys any growth since his unfortunate death last November. The man had a totally unique style, incredible class -- he inspired many, both as an artist and as a human being. He'll be missed -- thankfully we have his recordings to enjoy. In addition to his solo work, he can also be heard on various recordings by groups in the On-U stable of artists such as New Age Steppers and Singers & Players.If you enjoy reggae music at all -- and great music in any genre -- you should definitely check out this album for a trip off the beaten path. If 'standard' reggae is more your cup of tea, check out Sherman's great 'Across the Red Sea' disc -- the wonderful voice and songwriting are there in force. I would go so far to say, however, that the inherent spirituality of Sherman's music is more apparent on this disc that any other recording I've heard by him (listen to 'Over the rainbow' and 'Solid as a rock'). This 'Miracle' is a treasure -- you will be moved."

Miracle is a true masterpiece

Ras Mystic | Amsterdam Netherlands | 07/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I man rate this cd with 5 stars not because it is the best reggaealbum ever produced, but it is more than great. It is the most original reggae-album i heard the last few years and both the music and the vocals are marvelous. It is like Bim Sherman picks you up from the ground and take you on a musical journey in which you can't get bored not after 1000 flights. On my radioshow in Holland i play the man a lot and this album for sure is a must have. Bim Sherman has produced one album which is better but it was only released on vinyl, so don't get frustrated if you can't find that one : bim sherman meets horace andy and U. Black....if you see it get it as well! Because these two are milestones in reggae history in my mind. Get them, they are certainly essential albums in your collection! Peace and Love Rastafari"

Reggae's Miracle

Adjua Dubb | Gaithersburg, MD United States | 08/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bim Sherman gives a new meaning to the word reggae on this album.
It took a few listens for me to get out my head the usual bounce and bubble that is so consistent in reggae. Sherman relaxes the bubble, and completly smoothes out the bounce to a wave. That's where this album takes you in front of an ocean with a fire blazing in the sand as the sun sets. Beautiful, tranquil songs that blend in spiritual and love messages. With strings, and Indian influence in the background, the harmonies are soft and mellow. Standout cuts: Solid As a Rock, Golden Locks, Missing You. Listening to this album shows true artistry and really heightened my thoughts about reggae. One Love to you Bim!"