Customer Reviews

Spirit & The Blues

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

 

 

You don't have to be old to sing great blues... just talented, enthusiastic and committed. Eric Bibb and his wonderful backing band - Needed Time - do full justice to the record's title, capturing all the sadness, joy and stoic enthusiasm that gospel based blues stand for.

The driver behind this wholly satisfying album from this still young bluesman is a belief in the power of music to convey emotion... in this case, his conviction in the redemptive power of Jesus. If that puts you off, then you're missing a real treat. You don't have to be a "believer" to enjoy this record you just need to believe that he means what he says because it's his infectious enthusiasm to his cause that makes this album so effective.

Featuring marvellous finger-picking steel guitar and beautifully laid back vocals this album is packed full of excellent songs, many of which are based on the group's interpretation of traditional blues/gospel standards. But... what lifts it firmly into the 5 star category are two quite stunning tracks: "Where Shall I Be" - a superb two minute slice of unaccompanied guitar playing - and "Tell Ol' Bill" - one of the most moving songs ever recorded, featuring a marvellous mandolin break and some quite beautiful acoustic guitar playing... not morbid, just brilliant.

This reflective and joyous album makes you feel good and sad at the same time and... that's what the blues are all about.

As a Blues enthusiast I had never heard of Eric Bibb who is not quite a household name. When I first heard this cd I was impressed by the power and expression of his voice and his versatile acoustic guitar style, which is reminiscent of the first two Keb Mo cds. The music is an odd mix of soul, acoustic blues, folk, and gospel. It reflects the diverse range of Bibbs influences. There is also a strong religious influence to this album. All of the songs have the power, grace and sensitivity of a master musician at his creative peak.

For those who have the blues and want a way up and out. "Lonesome Valley" speaks to walking the life of faith. "In My Father's House" would convince anyone that all are welcome in God's house. Having hard times? "Just Keep Goin'On" will get you moving and out of the doldrums. There just isn't a song on here that doesn't reach me. I have never heard a better, more soulful rendition of "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me." I feel like I'm back in Georgia, walking that brick- red-dust road on a July summer day. Five stars isn't enough!

This is an absolutely delightful CD, filled with blues, gospel, joy and humor. A hidden gem! You won't be sorry!

On the CD cover, Eric Bibb states, "folkmusic (or world music these days!) continues to be vital fare for me-like air, food and water" Listening to this CD, I have no doubt he was telling the truth.

The CD is produced with nothing less than professional precision. The instrumentation, vocalizations, and themes chosen fit together in a seamless manner.

Yet, it's not the quality of the recording that sold me, but rather the way in which Eric Bibb and company captured the essence of meaning. These tunes mean something!

For example, "In My Father's House", is a piece which not only draws upon the "classical" blues experience, but "draws in" the experience and makes it, its own. Hope, despair, abandonment, love, forgiveness and open-armed acceptance; emotions so intense that they can't really be expressed in words alone. In this music, you can hear it all.

I thank God for Eric Bibb's music, and thank him for sharing his incredible talent (and those of his talented performers). Surely, "I am Blessed" because of this music.

I found a copy else where, but kept my order here to see how long it would take. It's now April 2, and I ordered it Nov 23. It's a great album, but I wonder if Amazon should even show it. I could buy it from an Amazon reseller, I suppose.

Any way, Spirit and the Blues by Eric Bibb is music at its best. The religion is not oversold, and the sprit is palpable. If you can find it (probably not on Amazon,) then buy it.

I saw Eric in Port Fairy at the Folk Festival in March 2002, this man was exceptional...one of the best performers that has ever been to Port Fairy's folkie.
The whole crowd was blown away by his talent and his amazing voice.