The PennZone

LANCASTER, Pa. - PennZone -- Nola Blue Records is honored to carry forward the musical legacy of two-time Blues Music Award winner Sherman Holmes with the October 9, 2026 release of One Step Ahead of the Blues.

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. Now, he returns with a fresh collection including two previously unrecorded Wendell Holmes originals and a new approach to The Holmes Brothers' "I'm So Lonely" that emerged magically in the first take.

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Blues Music Award winning producer Andreas Werner first met The Holmes Brothers at a concert in Zurich, Switzerland in 2004. 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.

"The warm voice and pure soul of Sherman Holmes creates something truly special—an album whose beauty deepens with every listen," says Sallie Bengtson, Nola Blue Records President. "When presented with this project, I was immediately struck by the fact that both Sherman and our label's flagship artist, Benny Turner, share the same birth year, are bassists, and have deep gospel roots. Taken together, it all made one thing unmistakably clear: this remarkable musical treasure had found its proper home."

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"The title track, 'One Step Ahead Of The Blues,' is a song I wrote with Jon Tiven especially for the album, and Sherman immediately took to it. He's the last man standing and it seems like he's always been one step ahead of the blues," says Werner. "Sherman Holmes is the real deal, a true blues philosopher! It's been my honor and privilege to collaborate with him on this album and to call him my friend."

"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. Sherman, Wendell and Popsy recorded some of the most eclectic roots music during the almost 40 year run of the Holmes Brothers. The Holmes were like no other. Exciting, unique and widely loved. Sherman stays on course showing his Virginia and NYC roots and warms the heart with this collection of beautifully paced, soulful songs." –Holger Petersen, Founder Stony Plain Records, broadcaster and writer.

One Step Ahead of the Blues will be available on CD, digital platforms, and limited-edition vinyl. For more information and updates, visit shermanholmes.com and follow Nola Blue Records on Facebook.

Founded in 2014, Nola Blue Records champions artists whose music is rooted in authenticity, tradition, and creative excellence. Through thoughtful artist development and award-winning releases, Nola Blue Records continues to celebrate the enduring power of blues and American roots music.