Customer Reviews

Painting Signs

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Eric Bibb on his cd Painting Signs has managed a balance of realism with hope, a balance of original songs with blues standards. and a balance musically of the slow plaintive ballads with upbeat rollicking blues. It is a wonderful cd for lovers of acoustic blues.

It seems that we are always being introduced to some new young blues performer, who is neither young nor new and Eric Bibb is another case in point. Bibb was born in New York in 1951 and has performed since the 1970's. He met initial success with the Folk Blues festivals in England and subsequently settled in Sweden in 1977, where he has for the most part remained. During his European sojourn Eric Bibb has not lost touch with his appreciation for blues music. He considers himself as much of a songwriter as a performer which is apparent in the artistry of the songs on his cd Painting Signs.

Painting Signs is a well crafted cd with a realistic view of the world today without drowning in despair, but instead offering an optimistic vision. Eric Bibb offers a cd full of songs of love, philosophy, politics and just plain fun. Those familiar with his previous cds are aware of Bibb's love of gospel and will be pleased to hear his version of Reverend Gary Davis' "I Heard the Angels Sing" and "Don't let nobody drag your spirit down." Bibb also tips his hat to a other noted songwriters Jimi Hendrix and Jim Reeves.

Painting Signs starts with an Eric Bibb original Kokomo. This is a steady upbeat song with a tale of lost love. It is a story of following dreams at the price of love. It displays Bibb's sensitivity as a songwriter,
"I gave you what I had in my pocket
enough for candy bars and beer,
didn't I wave goodbye with a low down feelin',
still I held back the tears."

Bibb presents a trio of songs of hope and despair with "Hope in a Hopeless World", "Five Miles Above" and "I Heard the Angels Sing." "Hope in a Hopeless World" is a slow baleful tune which states we are "searchin' for love in such a hateful time." Bibb's version of the Davis song starts subdued and builds to rollicking. As it builds in emotion one feels the need to get up, clap and stomp along.

Other covers of note are Angel and Honest I Do. Bibb's version of the Hendrix classic "Angel" is done reverently and with only a piano accompaniment. Bibb clearly shows his love of Jimmy Reeds music performing "Honest I Do". He gives a happy growl before launching into the vocals. The song is done with love and infused with meaning and emotion. It brings big smiles.

Truly though songs in the showcase on this cd are the Bibb originals, Kokomo, Delia's Gone, Got to Do Better, The Light is worth the Candle, Painting Signs and Don't Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down. "Delia's Gone" is a sad, beautiful yet simple song which shows the power of the simple words "Delia's gone." Got to Do Better is a fast upbeat political song which again balances realism and hope. Bibb states "Hatred is a luxury the price is too high." The Light was Worth the Candle is a slow optimistic ballad which is a philosophy on life,
"Son the light was worth the candle
The warmth was worth the coal
The conversation worth the wine
And what I've learned has been worth growin' old."

Walkin' Home and To Know You provide a duo of songs which spotlight Bibb's great acoustic guitar and honest warm voice. They are pleasant acoustic blues which are like a big hug. They put a smile on your face.

To finish the cd are two songs which complement each other by perfectly counter balancing emotions. From the despair of Painting Signs to the optimistic gospel of Don't Let Nobody drag your Spirit Down. Painting Songs is a slow ballad with spare vocals and guitar work. It is a song of withdrawal and depression. When it finishes we are immediately launched into Don't Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down, a gospel song which is bolstered by the vocals of Wilson Pickett and the Cultural Heritage Choir. It makes you want to jump up and start clapping and shouting "listen to Eric Bibb when he says don't let nobody drag your spirit down, ooh-ooh! Oh Yeah!"

When most people think of modern acoustic blues players they tend to think of Guy Davis, Keb Mo and Alvin Youngblood Hart. Eric Bibb is another name that should not be overlooked. His music is melodic and the lyrics are thought provoking and performed with a soulful quality not often heard anymore.

The songs are exceptional. Listen for example to the spirtual "Hope In A Hopeless World" with the backup vocals performed by the Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir or the uplifting "Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down" with Wilson Pickett on the lead vocals and Linda and the choir backing him up. Bibb also gives special attention to Jimmy Reeds "Honest I do" and Hendrix' "Angel". This is a beautifully done CD in every sense and should not be overlooked.

Painting Signs stands up as a complete work from beginning to end. The album begins with a W.C. Handy Award Nominated Song. "Kokomo" is a beautifully sad eulogy to Ronnie Rowlette (unsure of spelling), an American musician from Indianapolis whose life was cut short most tragically. It is lyrically powerful due to simplicity and plain-spokeness.

Other highlights from Painting Signs include a simple and elegant rendition of "Delia's Gone" and Dave Bronze penned "Five Miles Above."

Spiritualized song is stylishly covered with "I Heard The Angel's Singing" and "Don't Let Nobody Ever Get Your Spirit Down" with Wilson Pickett.

It is impossible to completely pigeon hole Eric Bibb into a single genre. I feel that he shares good musical qualities with James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Rev. Gary Davis.

well not much anyway, and especially not acoustic blues, but Eric Bibb makes me want to know more. Caught his show last year--he was the opening act for the Robert Cray Band, and after hearing "I Heard the Angels Singing" I was hooked. This is a fine album. If you get the chance to catch him performing in a small-ish venue, go.

There's something about this guy that really reminds me of William Topley and Greg Brown. Good stuff. Check him out.

If you love good,clean blues played at a high level by a very skilled musician who very clearly pours out his heart and soul in his music then you must buy this alblum!One of my best "discoveries" in recent years!

I had not listened to this cd for awhile. When I put on a bit ago I was struck again by how great it is. Others have given excellent descriptions of the music. "The Light Was Worth The Candle" is profound and worth the price of the cd on its own. Unfortunately, this is a fellow that seems to have missed the big time that he deserves.