Eric Bibb – In the Real World
This is 3-time Grammy nominee Eric Bibb’s latest creation. Yes, creation. Though he extolls many of the rich traditions of the age-old genre he injects a modern-day freshness to his work. I hear tonalities in his voice that are gradients of his soulfulness. There’s a degree of the late Gene McDaniels (“Tower of Strength” “A Hundred Pounds of Clay”). Bibb doesn’t have Gene’s rich baritone power, but he does have Gene’s similar balladry warmth down perfectly.
Bibb is an artist who manages to navigate the blues & traditional music with the expertise of a Keb’Mo, or Robert Cray. The flash & fire is negated for style & finesse. Both openers “Take the Stage,” & “Walk Steady On,” are more Taj Mahal than B.B. King. Bibb comes from a deeply rooted storytelling tradition of the blues rather than the juke joint foot-stomping hollers. Even the soulful backups are typical of 60s blues/soul singers. Their accompaniment is stellar.
There are 15 compass points In the Real World (Drops Oct 18/Stony Plain Records/Repute Records/55:27) produced by Glen Scott (drums/percussion/bass/banjo/acoustic & electric guitars/mandolin/piano/synths/mini-Moog/Hammond organ/Wurlitzer/Rhodes/programming/finger snaps/bgv). It’s obvious Bibb scores his music through a colander of influences. This is a well-shaped piece of work inspired by music that seems to have endless ingredients.
There’s an expressiveness that modifies & sustains each song. The guitar seems more of a characteristic presence on the pieces like another vocalist rather than a marvelous piece of equipment that accompanies the artist.
Bibb (vocal/acoustic, nylon string & banjo guitars) has stated that his music is thematic “…about the world we’ve created for ourselves.” What better deep well to draw inspiration from? Not every song is about cheating women, drinking booze & hard times at the mill. Bibb’s scope casts a wider net.
With “Make a Change,” Bibb projects a recalibrated coolness of Sam Cooke. It moseys along with depth & poignancy without being mainstream sweet. Then the darker-hued “This River (Chains & Free),” — quite different than any blues soulful I’ve heard. Near spiritual with aching vocals that are haunting & near medieval.
The tunes never blister as played. Each is well enunciated with the thick sound laid down by the musicians & unfolds with patience to slowly become prominent in the ear. That’s basically, what good music does.
Highlights – “Take the Stage,” “Walk Steady On,” “Make a Change,” “This River (Chains & Free),” “King of the Castle,” “Neshoba County,” “Dear Mavis” & “Victory Voices.”
Musicians – Robbie McIntosh (electric-acoustic & slide guitars), Chuck Anthony (solo electric & Wah electric guitars), Esbjorn Hazelius (fiddle/Cittern), David Davidson & David Angell (violins), Monisa Angell (viola), Carole Rabinowitz (cello), Paul Robinson (drums), Michael Jerome Browne & Greg Andersson (harmonicas) & Lily James (lead vocal “Victory Voices”).
With Sara Bergkvist Scott, Jonathan L. Mongi, Emmanuel Enwokeforo, Emilia Franklin, Sepideh & Arezo Vaziri (bgv), Shaneeka Simon (solo Adlib vocals/bgv), David Davidson & Glen Scott (string arrangement/orchestration).
CD photo by Jan Malmstrom. CD @ Bandcamp + https://www.ericbibb.com/in-the-real-world
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Eric Bibb “Live at the Scala Theatre – Stockholm”
