Eric Bibb – One Mississippi
This showcase features 13 Eric originals (some co-written with his Grammy Award-nominated producer Glen Scott & a cover of “One Mississippi,” written by singer-songwriter Janis Ian & Fred Koller (Bibb went to a NYC high school with Ms. Ian).
The songs were recorded & produced at Glen’s high-end studio in Uppsala, Sweden, & include guest musicians like UK guitarist Robbie McIntosh. The 14 tracks are primarily the signature Eric Bibb (vocals/acoustic,12-string acoustic & nylon-string guitars/banjo/6-string banjo) storytelling for One Mississippi (Dropped Jan 30/Repute Records).
Despite prior critical success, this set breaks some new ground for Mr. Bibb. Eric continues to perform in multiple genres: classic blues, contemporary soul, & Americana, which can appeal to a younger, more modern audience. Bibb isn’t necessarily a younger Taj Mahal, who explores a deeper traditional rootsy folk, country, hillbilly, & Americana idiom. But Eric has similar roots (“It’s A Good Life”) in that rich stylization.
The LP opens with some warm, deep vocals on “One Mississippi.” An expressively persuasive amalgamation of tones derived from Taj Mahal, Keb ‘Mo & even Gene McDaniels. Eric spreads his voice out smoothly like butter on toast, melting as it disperses. There’s a blues tincture in the piece, but it’s fastened tightly to an Appalachian rootsy spirit. Attractive? About as appealing as bourbon on a cold night.
Eric applies his formula generously. On the more soulful & commercial “This One Don’t,” “No Clothes On,” & “Change,” Eric gets a little more mainstream & upbeat. Not a genuine easy-listening singer (Johnny Mathis, & the late Danny Williams (“White On White”), the songs here aren’t exactly novelty pop songs. They maintain a solid beat & arrangement with a spray of harmonica that keeps them anchored like honey on a silver spoon. They’re hotly played & sweet.
The musicians are always engaged, rhymical, rich, & scintillating. More sensually played & noirish is “Crossroads Marilyn Monroe.” Steady soft beat, swish of high hat, dainty with a slick lead guitar. It’s a well-constructed story. “Waiting On the Sun” & “Show Your Love” both cruise into Eric’s soft-spoken Sam Cooke vocal territory. Beautiful with guitar interplay & backup vocals.
There’s nothing tedious on this LP. This is one of the year’s best.
Highlights – “One Mississippi,” “Muddy Waters,” “This One Don’t,” “Go Down Ol’ Hannah,” “It’s A Good Life,” “Crossroads Marilyn Monroe,” “Change,” “Waiting On the Sun,” & “Show Your Love.”
Musicians – Glen Scott (drums/percussion/bass/electric & acoustic guitars/piano/Hammond organ/Wurlitzer/clavinet/synths/mini-Moog/melodica/brass & string programming/bgv), Robbie McIntosh (electric, slide, resonator, Angelus & electric solo guitars/dobro), Esbjörn Hazelius (fiddle/octave fiddle), Zosha Warpeha (hardanger fiddle), Staffan Astner (rhythm guitar), Greger Andersson & Paul Jones (harmonicas), Sven Lindvall (tuba), Bendjii Allonce (congas), Sara Bergkvist Scott & Shaneeka Simon (bgv/handclaps).
Photography courtesy of Jan Malmstrom. CD @ https://www.ericbibb.com/one-mississippi & https://reputerecords.bandcamp.com/album/one-mississippi-4