Customer Reviews

Diamond Days

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For a while now I've been a freak for Eric Bibb's music, especially his "spiritual" songs. I confess to being partial to sweet music and uplifting lyrics, mixed in with a little bit of funk. That might be a lame mix for a lot of people, but for me it is potent one - and Eric Bibb fulfills it more than anyone I know. Combine all that with his music's accessibility, and with what seems his genuine sincerity and open heartedness, and dude, it is enough for me to get happy. Last year's "A Ship Called Love" is one of my favorite records and I listened to it seemingly almost incessantly for months. So I was seriously looking forward to the new record, though with a little trepidation of being disappointed. And I'm very happy to say I really like "Diamond Days" already. It is still pretty new on my box, but I know that there is a lot of music here I'm going to be listening to for a long, long time. What more can you ask for? I ain't got the ear or knowledge to be a music critic so I ain't going to try to tell you what is happening in that kinda way on this record. Though I will say that on first listening I thought a couple of the sides were a little unnecessarily over produced for my taste, given my love for the seeming simplicity of Eric's voice and music. But now I am even liking many of those little studio things too.

If you like Eric Bibb's music, buy this cd. Then again, if you like his music, you don't need me to encourage you. From what I see, the man keeps getting better and better.

Eric Bibb
Diamond Days - Telarc CD83660

Prolific, and always listenable, Eric Bibb is back with Diamond Days, and his star continues to rise. For me Eric is the embodiment of all the past masters of the talking blues style brought up to date. By creating and perfecting his quiet delivery he is deceptively laid back. He manages to marry up the culture and history of Africa, with strong American southern influences integrated with his own experiences of the highs and lows experienced by being a working musician.

You get thirteen songs, plus a film shot in the kind of traditional guitar shop beloved by musicians, which sees Eric playing three acoustic numbers.

Tall Cotton opens with nice sounding African guitar, gentle vocals and then some inspirational gospel voices on the chorus. Destiny Blues could be straight out of the depression while Shine On is perhaps the most radio friendly track on the album with its catchy chorus. So Glad, a love song which at times sounds a bit like the Staple Singers, is very mellow.

Storybook Hero has a walking beat and, a surely tongue in cheek lyric about men and their rather dubious charms. The title track Diamond Days reflects on just how varied each day can be between being successful (diamonds) or having to scratch a living (nickels & dimes). Dr Shine has our troubadour learning that a shoe shiner can possess a wealth of dignity, simple philosophy to know where it's at.

The official closer, Still Living On, has Eric tipping his trademark hat to his heroes and masters of the blues by invoking their names. A nice take on Worried Man Blues is hidden away at the end of this is very polished outing by this gentle, and gracious giant of a man.

Graeme Scott
Blues Matters magazine & Radio VRN1287 Scotland

I remember reading a scathing album review of 'Diamond days' in a local Sydney street press rag sometime in late 2006. The review had the words "saccharin sweet" in it and basically went onto say that this album was a sickeningly happy, over optimistic and watery interpretation of the blues. I hadn't heard the album at this stage however, I knew from the quality of Eric's past albums and superb track record that this reviewer had torn his heart out and was saving it for latter. Eric Bibb's evolved soul was obviously beyond him and he had missed the point. It shouldn't have surprised me as many seem to thrive on the darker, more negative nature of some modern music and Eric Bibb's 'Diamond Days' is anything but that.

You see the beauty of Eric Bibb is not just his heavenly smooth, rich yet at times gritty voice and his devine vocal melodies, nor just his amazing guitar technique and emotive playing style but it is his ability to lyrically tap into the very essense of the human spirit from a beautifully positive and enriching perspective. Traditionally the blues, as it's name suggests, was the release of ones troubles and hardships where as Eric has turned it on it's head and sings about the joys of life, the importance of loved ones and his spiritual faith. To me this is refreshing, uplifting and 'Diamond Days' is full of this. Take track 7 'Dr Shine' which describes a shoe shiner he came across at an airport (Columbus, Ohio). I love the line "Man, your a king not a hobo!" which Dr Shine shouts to Eric. Obviously Mr Bibb's shoes were in desperate need of attention. This song is uplifting as well as being a window into one of the so called "little people" of the world. This man's pride in what he does and excells in is seen by Eric as a stand out over say a white collar worker who may be earning a killing but might get no joy or pride out of his job.

'So Glad' is song that speaks volumes about appreciating another human being and God in the form of a tastey slow and smooth blues ballad waltz. It's also about hope and finding a way to get through the harder moments of life. It is a another true Bibb moment.

The tune 'Shine On' drips with appreciation and gratitude. It could be one of Eric's most commercial sounding tracks which is remaniscent of Ben Harper in arrangement in it's upbeat nature however, it is still truley Eric Bibb.

'Heading Home' is a rich arrangement that features some fine airy harp which nearly sounds like saprano sax at times, full toned upright bass, haunting vocal melodies, clever musical changes and the most sweet guitar playing on the disk. This song contains one of my favourite lyrics on the album: "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind".

The African guitar breaks in the album's opener 'Tall Cotton' is stunning, beautifully free flowing and as fluid as water. Just wonderful! This song has really grown on me.

The title track 'Diamond Days' is another jem with great lyrics and lovely music. It's life in a song: "Some days your get diamonds, others nickels and dimes. Some days sparkel, some days nothin' shines."

Probably the highest moment on 'Diamond Days' is the live full band version of 'In My Father's House' which rocks the house and shakes the souls foundations. Thank God Eric Bibb put this version on this record. I love it!

Overall this album is solid and has very few weak moments or songs. It has also grown on me more with further listens which is always a great sign.

Sure 'Diamond Days' would not be for everyone and may not necessarily be his finest work but it is certainly not "saccharin sweet". I highly rate it with his previous releases and any Eric Bibb fan I believe would enjoy this album.

Eric Bibb, you are a diamond to me, just keep writing and playing music because you are a gift!

CD REVIEW - `Diamond Days' (Eric Bibb)

For many years music fans have noted that Eric Bibb has one of the most satisfying voices in the business. His latest album, entitled "Diamond Days," is no exception, as the blues troubadour has again provided his fans with a CD that is exceptionally easy on the ears.

The album begins with "Tall Cotton" a song which features Congolese guitarist Kahanga Dekuli, and kicks off a theme of African references. "For me to talk about tall cotton, which is a very southern American expression, and to connect it to African culture is musically, historically and personally very resonant," said Bibb.

Other highlights of the album include the folksy title track, full of the simple wisdom that Bibb is famous for - "Some days you get diamonds/Other days nickels and dimes." The live version of "In My Father's House," is touched with Gospel influences and packs enough kick to raise the album to its peak temperature. The disc closes with a hidden track - the blues classic, "Worried Man Blues." Bibb's straight forward interpretation is the perfect capper, so mellow, it could take the listener right off to slumber land.

"Diamond Days" is available through [...]. It can be purchased at [...] or through Amazon.

Everytime I get a new Eric BIB CD I CAN hear a little bit of Taj mahall in there.That alway's brings a smile to my face.However one can not deny his ever emerging idenity as he carves his own niche into the world of blues and beyond.

This is a great CD...good song topics and wonderful lyrics. The music moved me and the soulful sound of the blues stirred my sprit and left me happier after listening to it.
THANKS ERIC!

This is a great CD, we listening to him in Charleston, WV at a concert. I recommend his very much.

I love all of his songs. He's amazing. His live disc is my fav, but I hope to own 'em all. This one is great, get it!

I got turned on to Eric Bibb from a local radio station and, ever since, I've been a fan. Diamond Days is a sweet collection of songs that are uplifting, deep and beautiful. His smoky baritone voice perfectly compliments his acoustic blues guitar playing. I would LOVE to see him perform live someday! Do yourself a favor and check this guy out. He's very talented.

Eric Bibb is one of the finest musicians I have heard from in a very long time. This disc is so uplifting, I haven't been able to put any other music on my player!! I have also purchased Diamond Days by eric Bibb, and thoroughly enjoy this disc also. You will never be disappointed with any of his music or recordings. Spread the word and music of Eric Bibb throught the world.... it will become a better place for us all.