Eric Bibb CD Review

CD Review
Eric Bibb
Natural Light
(Earthbeat R2 73830 or Manhaton Records Hatman 2011 in Europe)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: March 2004

"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation

Eric Bibb is often mentioned alongside the names of Guy Davis and Corey Harris as one of the new guardians of the blues. Bibb has always kept close touch with his folk roots, however, and included elements of Gospel in his repertoire. His latest album, "Natural Light," sees Bibb branching out further, whilst still remaining the distinctive Eric Bibb sound.

The first signs of the broadening of the style come on the opening (original) "Too Much Stuff." A full band weighs in to deliver a nice slice of funk, before they switch into a mellow jazz groove on "Home Lovin' Man." The latter sounds a bit like one of the mellower tunes recorded by Louis Jordan, although it was actually written by Roger Hubbard. Some muted trumpet or clarinet would have added the extra icing to what is already a very good cake. What many would consider normal Bibb-service is resumed with "So Sorry," before the excellent tribute song "Tell Riley" which contains the classic lines "An' mark my words/ He'll B.B. King some day."

Bibb remains pretty much on the money throughout, accompanied by regulator collaborators, Dave Bronze (bass and production), and Janne Petersson (keyboards). This time around he has also drafted in figures well known among transatlantic blues aficionados, including Hubert Sumlin, Robbie McIntosh and Henry Spinetti. He also gets excellent support on vocals from Michele John-Douglas and Marion Powell for a fine rendition of "Higher and Higher"--most closely associated with Jackie Wilson--which really grows on you with repeated plays and brings proceedings to a close.

"Natural Light" is a very fine album that sees Eric Bibb continue to push onwards and upwards, broadening his horizons as he goes. Bibb fans can buy without any reservations. Those who want something a bit more than just acoustic blues will also find plenty to enjoy here. Couple this with Guy Davis' "Chocolate To The Bone" and the future of the blues looks to be in pretty safe hands. Recommended.

www.earthbeatrecords.com
www.ericbibb.com
www.manhatonrecords.com

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