Customer Reviews

Get Onboard

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

as has been true for me with Eric Bibb's last records, there are at least five songs on this one that I can see myself still listening to twenty years from now . . . . . and in the meanwhile, I'm sure enjoying all the other songs on this album as well . . . . .while there are some I'm more partial to, I don't think there is a "weak" song on this disc. . . .

once again, if you know Eric Bibb, you don't need me to tell you to check this record out, cause I know you gonna. . . . .and I reckon you are gonna be real glad you did . . . .

some might say that Eric Bibb's physical voice is not spectacular. . . . . but my response to that is it is way good enough for me . . . . and, his singing voice combined with the simplicity and heartfelt-ness of his writing make for an often heady mix. . . . .

he is clearly deeply rooted in his musical traditions. . . . . and one of the beauties of his music is how he works within the tradition to bring forth a living music of this moment . . ..sorta like an artist as craftsman, adding often subtle touches of beauty and modern insight to the work of his predecessors . . . .. and along the way, his blues become both touching and uplifting, and his love songs real and joyful in the moment, and his gospel way beyond the confines of christianity. . . .

I don't know if this record is "better" than Eric's last two, but I do know that for me the opportunity of being able to listen to the unfolding of his music the last few years is a beautiful (and inspiring) thing. . . . .knowing that the range of music I get exposed to is really limited, and realizing that the following is a serious (and rather lame, and simplistic) over generalization, still, I will say that usually I find that if it is funky it ain't got Truth , and if it has Truth, it ain't funky . . . . . to my ear (and mind and heart), Eric Bibb's recent music both speaks truth and plays funky . . . . . . and "Get on Board" does this in spades . . . . . I don't know about you, but there ain't much more I can ask for than that . . . .

This is one of the best blues CD's I've heard in a long time. I've had "If Our Hearts Ain't In It" by Eric Bibb & Bonnie Raitt on repeat all night long. Talk about a way to find peace and heart and soul in a chaotic world.

Way to go, Eric, way to go... great rendition with Bonnie Raitt. Fabulous. Thank you so much, this is just the kind of spirit feeling music I have needed for so long. You've given me a whole new world to explore, filled with peace and harmony in a blues world. Can't wait for the whole CD to get here!

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Had to repost this review I found on a very interesting blog: David Blue "says it all."

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Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Eric Bibb - Get Onboard (Telarc).

Recorded in Nashville, Get Onboard has been on the production line since May 2007 and Bibb says that it has been one of the most exciting projects of his career. He hits the nail on the head when he says "It's a further exploration into the place where blues meets gospel and soul". He uses the best session musicians around as well as special guests Bonnie Raitt and Ruthie Foster. The soulful and spiritual Spirit I Am is a great opener and Bibb's sweet voice will smother you in honey. The Promised Land is bluesy and bouncy and New Beale Street Blues is a jazzy, New Orleans blues. The latter is another tribute to the great city that is still recovering from Katrina. The eponymous title track has a vocal that is so sweet and so clear. It also has great harmonies and he has more soul than heaven itself. If Our Hearts Ain't In It has Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar and a big production to match. All I can say about Pockets is that it is an Eric Bibb song if there could ever be one. The voice, the gentle approach and the understated instrumentation are his hallmarks.

The gentle acoustic vibes continue with River Blues, which is not, as the title suggests, a blues in the truest meaning of the word. This is followed by Deep In My Soul and that's where he has rested. Folk, country, gospel it covers so much. Conversation is a slow, precise and heartfelt blues duet with Ruthie Foster and the understated brilliance of God's Kingdom has, as the title suggests, Gospel overtones Step By Step stays much in the same vein and the final track, Stayed On Freedom, lifts the pace a little with a country blues. This arrangement of the Civil Rights anthem, which in turn was adapted from a traditional spiritual, hits the spot

Eric, and his producer Glen Scott, may just have unleashed a future classic.

[...]

David Blue.

I just recently have been turned on to Eric. It is a quality of Blues done by the old guys. It's pure. In his blues he speaks to us all about our priorities and how it could be so much better if we would let God in our life. He doesn't beat you over the head with it. But it is spiritual and freedom motivated.

Bapp3rd

I like popular music, particularly roots music, which combines different genres. In essence, 'Get On Board' is a mix of blues, country blues and gospel - but there are jazz and folk elements also.

Although Eric Bibb's voice is not especially powerful, it has a textured warmth and he sings with something of a 'gentle authority'. His songs have fine lyrics and subtle melodies and with many, the message is 'Love, Peace and Harmony' (to slightly paraphrase another reviewer) - and, with his disarming and unaffected style, EB delivers this without ramming it down your throat. However, some words of warning - much of the music is laid back; in fact, on a few tracks, if EB and his crew were any more laid back, they'd be horizontal. The supporting cast of session players and vocalists display an uncanny empathy with EB's music and they provide an understated, yet rich, musical backdrop behind his vocals. Full marks also to Glen Scott for his immaculate production and mixing.


I liked all of the songs (all are written or co-written by EB, except 'Stayed On Freedom' which is a 'trad. arr.') - some brief comments about a selection :

THE PROMISED LAND - With its edgy slide guitar and gospel groove, a mid-tempo song destined to ensure 'standing room only' in many a small country church.

NEW BEALE STREET BLUES - A song featuring syncopated jazz rhythms and a short 12-string guitar solo. Also, the muted harmonica playing, during the first 2 minutes, is a real treat. 'God's Kingdom' has a similar vibe (but rhythmically, is slightly different).

GET ONBOARD - A more up tempo song with enough hooks to make it a candidate for release as a single.

IF OUR HEARTS AIN'T IN IT - A slow tempo soulful song; it features Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar (including a short solo).

CONVERSATION - A slow blues number and a duet with Ruthie Foster. Up until now, I'd only heard her as a backing vocalist, but here she takes the lead vocals - she has a really strong, soulful voice. Additionally, the Stockholm session players provide some wonderfully smooth horn accompaniment.

STEP BY STEP - A slow tempo gospel flavoured song which features some shimmering lap steel guitar playing.


Although far from being regular 'pop' music, many songs have a certain 'pop' sensibility, and this should make 'Get On Board' accessible for a fairly wide audience (even if gospel/blues music is not 'up your street') - but, alas, I somehow feel that EB's music will not reach this wider audience. He is an artist who feels very comfortable with what he does, he doesn't need to 'try too hard' - his music just has a natural spontaneity.

'Get On Board' is a main dish of gospel infused blues/country blues - dressed with 'smoky-smooth' vocals and served up with a few morsels of edge, some dollops of groove and a generous helping of soul; a highly enjoyable album - 4.5 stars.

I purchased this cd for my mom who had been listening to Eric Bibb on the TV Radio Stations. She was in love so for Christmas I purchased her several of his cds and she has been singing and dancing every since.

Get Onboard offers up an eclectic blend of acoustic blues and blues-based contemporary folk. Similar in style to Keb' Mo', Bibb's voice is golden smooth and ushers his songs along in fine fashion with his guitar work adding just enough emphasis. This is not guitar music - Bibb is a fine songwriter first and foremost, and his tunes are delivered with finesse and restraint. The ingredients - a little New Orleans, a touch of Memphis, some gospel, and a lotta blues.

GENRES: Acoustic Blues, Contemporary Folk, Mellow Rock.

BUY IF YOU LIKE: Keb' Mo', Chris Smither, Taj Mahal.

MUST HEAR TRACKS: "Get Onboard," "Pockets," "River Blues," "New Beale Street Blues," "Deep In My Soul," "Step By Step."

I love the Blues. My husband and I are both huge fans. We have been a fan of Keb' Mo' for many years and when I saw Eric Bibb's (Get On Board) CD offered on Amazon, I wanted to see how he compared. We love this CD and were quite surprised. We don't remember hearing any music by him before. I will continue to be a fan. His CD is in my vehicle and I play it often. What a great sound for road trips. Eric Bibb is a great Blues master. I am so happy I decided to try someone new.

bought it to know erick bibb better.
mot "wow" but it's the matter of taste.

Love the blues, folk, and gospel sound of this album. I always like a new refreshing, little different sound in the gospel and christian music world and this cd does just that.

This is my first Eric Bibb CD, and it won't be my last. I'm now hooked...