‘If you slide on down to the delta you can hear those banjos ring’ – Janis Ian and Fred Koller
If you know 2024’s In the Real World this is the next chapter from Sweden based American blues eminence Eric Bibb reuniting with producer Glen Scott.
On the record are people like slide guitarist Robbie McIntosh known for his work with the Pretenders and Paul McCartney and top Swedish folkie fiddler Esbjörn Hazelius.
The voice of Bibb, now 74, is a thing of wonder. He also plays top acoustic guitar and banjo and contributes lyrics.
The title track is a Janis Ian and Fred Koller song.
Bibb’s own material form the rest. They shine on immaculately. Manfred Mann great Paul Jones is on ‘Muddy Waters.’
Bibb plays a 6 string banjo on ‘Didn’t I Keep Running’ rather marvellously.
There’s a lot of positivity, and a lot of keeping things real when the theme becomes more socio-political which it does in welcome fashion. You feel an anger directed against intolerance and hate ancient and modern.
I think I like ‘Go Down Ol Hannah’ best. And I also appreciated ‘Crossroads Marilyn Monroe,’ which is about a woman who lied in the witness box contributing to Emmett Till’s racist murderers in 1950s America walking free.
It’s a gorgeous record. Jazz fans like me often miss out on top blues releases like this.
Pity really, blame us, not the blues. It’s all part of the same thing at a deep level going back in history happily made completely relevant for the 21st century even when the antique is embraced. Bibb even jokes about the lack of complexity in the lyrics of ‘This One Don’t’ which could even be aimed at jazz fans and musicians who think complexity is innately better.
With a career spanning five decades, over forty albums, three Grammy nominations, a multitude of Blues Foundation awards and countless more accolades, Bibb has nothing to prove but continues to soar. A wonderful record that isn’t samey and has a wisdom to it grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities.
- Eric Bibb plays De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on 11 March; Stoller Hall, Manchester on 12 March; St Mary’s Church, Beverley on 14 March; Oran Mor, Glasgow on 15 March and continues with more dates – see his website for details – touring throughout March and plays Ronnie Scott’s, Soho on 31 March.
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