CD Review
Eric Bibb & Needed Time
"Spirit And The Blues"
EarthBeat (R2 75686)
by Putnay Thomas
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Earthbeat has wisely re-released this 1994 recording. This CD, just as his excellent 1997 release "Good Stuff," was also recorded in Sweden. He retains his Swedish counterparts to form his backup band Needed Time. They include Goran Wennerbrant on various guitars, Olle Eriksson, on bass, and Bjorn Gideonsson on drums and percussion. The title of this CD could be "Spirituals and the Blues." There is an emphasis on the country gospel sound. Bibb's vocals (he is the son of renowned folk singer Leon Bibb) are distinctive and in the front of the mix on every song, as it should be. Gospel music naturally calls for harmony supporting vocals and Needed Time does an amazing job. Upon listening to the singing you'd think you were listening to a black southern gospel choir rather than 5 Swedish guys. Listening to the song, "Woke Up This Morning" is a prime example of this chemistry. On the song, "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me," Bibb is able to bring it back down to a somber deep blues with just his voice and simple guitar picking. His version of Willie Johnson's "You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond" is haunting and moody. The song is rendered even more distinctive by one of the band members' rattling "pocket change percussion." Most of the songs were either written by Eric Bibb and band members or they are traditional/adapted. The songs sound familiar while still being distinctive. Bibb's voice is deeply earnest and bluesy, and polished and soothing at the same time. There is hope and faith in these songs. Bibb and company shows one that you can sing and listen to the blues and be uplifted. Spirit and the Blues is easily one of the best CD's to be released in 1999.
This review is copyright © 1999 by Putnay Thomas, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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