Sisters & Brothers

Eric Bibb

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 24, 2004)
• Original Release Date: February 24, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B0001BDAQ4
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,367 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Blues > Acoustic Blues

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
That the trio recorded this stunning, spiritual-minded collaboration in the town of Unity, Maine, is one of life's fortuitous coincidences. Although their voices are dissimilar, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb, and Rory Block share roots in folk, gospel, and blues. Brought together, along with a three-piece backing band, in a barn-turned-recording-studio by producer Randy Labbe, the trio cooks up a feisty musical feast that sounds so comfortable and joyous, it seems they were lost soulmates finally joined in song. Bibb's smooth Keb' Mo'-style vocals join Muldaur's huskier, sassy approach and Block's deep blues on a combination of originals and covers that showcase each artist's strengths, both solo and in tandem with the others. From contemporary classics such as Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Bill Withers's sublime "Lean on Me" to a languid version of Jimmy Reed's "Little Rain" and a swampy, roof-raising "My Sisters and Brothers," this upbeat album never gets predictable, preachy, or clichéd. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fervor, Wit and Great Blues Singing, April 1, 2004

By	Thomas H. Moody "Music Enthusiast" (Nobleboro, ME United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Some might say that Maria Muldaur, Rory Block and Eric Bibb are as unalike as they are alike. But it's their "unalikeness" wrapped into their likeness that makes this recording something special. This album plays like a joint effort of three old friends having a jam session of sorts. Its totally relaxed, yet full of fervor, wit, and definitive blues/gospel singing. Some of the standouts are Block's version of Bill Wither's "Lean On Me" with great harmony from Muldaur, Bibb's take on Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Muldaur's "Bessie's Advice" (cowritten with Bibb). That's just the icing. There's plenty more including two of Block's standards "Rolling Log" and "Maggie Campbell" where one gets to hear her wonderful guitar playing which sounds as fresh as ever. Bibb's languid, bluesy take on "Little Rain" is right on the money! Things close with Muldaur performing one of her old chestnuts, "My Brothers and Sisters". At the end when she cries out "Hallelujah..Thank Ya!..Thank Ya!" one knows that they've just experienced three great talents doing what they were born to do! If you're a fan of music at its most basic and stirring, this recording is a must! NOTE: Amazon has the son listings in the wrong order.

P.S. Please make another trip to Unity and do it again!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Collaboration Makes a Great Album!!!, May 14, 2005

By	Dennis Lee Cleven (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

I was drawn to this album due to my admiration of Maria Muldaur and her vocals on this album are truly superb. It is not pop nor blues. This is a folk album if it must be categorized and the songs are fantastic. There is true life and spirit in every track. It is invigorating and I found myself drawn into listen to each and ever song and once the album was over, I wanted more. I admire Maria for taking part with Eric Bibb and Rory Block. As one other reviewer suggested, they should go back to that barn in Unity, Maine and do another album. Unity is the message of this album. It is uplifting but not "preachy". The songs such as "Lean On Me", "Bessie's Advice", have soul and a message of brotherhood. I love this album and when it is over, it is easy to hit "Replay". I cannot recommend this great album which deserves five stars if not more, highly enough. It is so fine!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars whoa...left field, fly ball, January 16, 2007

By	Jonathan Schaefer (los angeles, ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Just where the (?<&%!) did this jewel come from? Oh yeah, Unity, Maine. Hey, I'll chip in money for a return visit.

Basically found this doing a picture seach on Ms. Muldaur, bought it on account of her and her incredible collaborative work. I had no idea what to expect other than quality and pretty good roots to the blues. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED.

Even if you're a casual fan of any one of these three artists you need to get this (you need to get it anyway, face it now) because everyone wins on this recording - they all shine, support and compliment each other in amazing ways. The real winners are those of us who just program 'repeat' before we hit play.

These are not people who phone in their tracks and leave it it up to a programmer to mix them and clean 'em up. These are MUSICIANS who value their craft, love to play, love to play WELL with OTHERS and soar places that probably surprise even themselves.

We're the winners, be a winner -- get it -- small price for sheer bliss.