CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO PURCHASE!!!! CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!

I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Showing posts with label Eric Bibb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eric Bibb. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Stony Plain Records artist: Eric Bibb - Blues People - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Blues People, from Eric Bibb and I think it's his best in quite some time! Opening with Silver Spoon, a primarily acoustic track rooted deeply in the delta but with hot contrasting electric blues riffs from Popa Chubby in the distance and bass and drums by Glen Scott. Excellent! Driftin' Door To Door has a bit more of the walking blues sound with nice picked and slide work from Bibb and Michael Jerome Browne. Very nice. God's Mojo is a quiet jazz framed blues track with nicely figured key work and light drums by Glen Scott. Bibbs vocals are particularly focused on this track. Turner Station has a more modern acoustic blues sound with Bibb and Browne on guitar. As the track builds more fullness appears with Scott on Hammond, backing vocals and electric keys as well as Neville Malcolm on bass. On Pink Dream Cadillac, Bibb paints a vivid story as Staffan Astner adds some tasty slide work. Guy Davis' Chocolate Man features Davis and and Bibb trading lead vocals and guitar with Scott on bass, piano and drums. Rosewood is a somber ballad with light electronic keyboards backing Bibbs articulate acoustic guitar and vocal. Rev. Gard Davis' I Heard The Angels Singin' has an almost Richie Havens feel with Browne on 12 string, Scott on bass and drums and featuring J.J. Milteau on harp and The Blind Boys of Alabama on backing vocals. Dream Catchers has an interesting reggae feel with Ruthie Foster at her grittiest and Harrison Kennedy singing lead and Sara Bergkvist-Scott on backing vocals. Very nice! Chain Reaction features Glen Scott on lead vocal with Bibb for some really nice soul style harmonizing. Paris Renita adds some really nice backing on this track giving it a real soul feeling. Taj Mahal is on lead vocal and banjo on this shot but critical, Needed Time intro. A more flowing and refined expanded track follows with Foster, Bibb and the Blind Boys Of Alabama sharing vocal duties with Scott on piano, Browne on electric slide, Paul Robinson on drums Neville Malcolm on upright bass. Also backing on vocal is Bob Manning, Ulrika Ponten on Big Daddy Wilson. Excellent! Out Walkin', again with a solid blues base but in a more contemporary form features Bibb on vocal joined by Browne on acoustic guitar. R&B track, Remember The Ones, features Linda Tillery trading lead vocal with Bibb. Scott adds a nice Hammond warmth as well as sampling horns from the Memphis horns. Andre De Lange shares the lead vocal with Bibb on African influenced Home. Astner joins on acoustic guitar and guitelele and Scott adds piano, bass, drums and percussion to this moving track. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Where Do We Go featuring a vocal duet with Bibb and Leyla McCalla who also adds banjo. Scott on Melodica and piano Astner on electric guitar and Malcolm on upright bass add to the quiet melody. A soft sensitive ballad, this is a nice track to conclude a very interesting release.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Monday, October 20, 2014

Award-Winning Roots Music Artist Eric Bibb Sings About "Blues People" on New Stony Plain Records CD, Coming November 4



Award-Winning Roots Music Artist Eric Bibb Sings About Blues People on New Stony Plain Records CD, Coming November 4

Special Guests Include Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, The Blind Boys of Alabama & Ruthie Foster

EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records, one of the world’s foremost roots music labels, announces a November 4 release date for Blues People, the new CD from award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Eric Bibb. Produced by Glen Scott, who also plays several instruments throughout, Blues People includes special guest performances by Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ruthie Foster (who Eric has been touring with), Popa Chubby and a number of other musicians from around the world.

The 15 tracks on Blues People include a number of Eric Bibb originals, as well as collaborations with other songwriters, plus songs written by Guy Davis (“Chocolate Man”), Rev. Gary Davis (“I Heard the Angels Singin’”) and the traditional, “Needed Time,” arranged by Taj Mahal, Eric Bibb and Glen Scott.

The concept of Blues People came to Eric Bibb, who’s won the Blues Music Award as “Acoustic Artist of the Year” and been nominated for a Grammy, when he was surrounded by his musical friends at the Blues Foundation Awards in Memphis a few years back. It inspired him to create a collection of songs about change and hope, in collaboration with many of his friends in the blues and roots music realm.

“In the introduction to his classic book, Blues People, Amiri Baraka (who published it as LeRoi Jones) wrote: ‘The path the slave took to ‘citizenship’ is what I want to look at,’” writes Eric Bibb in the album’s liner notes. “That same path, along with its continuation, provided much inspiration for this album called Blues People. This record is also a tribute to the tribe of blues troubadours that I’m grateful to be a member of and it features the talents of several friends and heroes of mine. We, who traverse the highways and skyways of the planet playing the music known as blues, have become a rainbow tribe. We hail from many lands and cultures, bonded by our love of this music and the challenge of making it our own. What began in the fields of the southern United States, became a universal treasure, cherished by music lovers the world over.
My intention with these songs is to focus on some of the history of African Americans, the original blues people, as a reminder of what we’ve been through and where the music is coming from. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of my greatest heroes. The Civil Rights movement that he is synonymous with is referred to in several songs on this album. I hope these songs will remind us that Dr. King’s dream is still a work in progress – we are still not home. May the New Year bring us closer to living that dream.”

Eric Bibb, one of the highest profile international roots music artists, was raised in New York City by a musical family; his father is noted folk singer Leon Bibb and his uncle was world-famous jazz pianist John Lewis, founding member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Legendary actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson was Eric’s godfather, and other music icons such as Peter Seeger, Odetta and Bob Dylan were known to regularly visit the Bibb household.

Eric was given his first guitar at age seven, and by the time he’d reached 16 was asked by his father to play guitar in the house band for the elder Bibb’s local New York City TV talent show.
In 1970, Eric Bibb left New York City for Paris, meeting legendary guitarist Mickey Baker, and began to concentrate on playing blues guitar. He later moved to Europe and is now based in Finland, from which he tours extensively both in the U.S. and overseas.

To watch a special video Eric Bibb created to explain the backstory about Blues People, click on this link: http://bit.ly/BluesPeopleVideo.

Eric Bibb will be touring in support of Blues People and is booked by Folklore International Artists (www.FLiArtists.com). For more information, visit www.stonyplainrecords.com and www.ericbibb.com.

Blues People Track Listing

1 SILVER SPOON - Featuring POPA CHUBBY
2 DRIFTIN’ DOOR TO DOOR
3 GOD’S MOJO
4 TURNER STATION
5 PINK DREAM CADILLAC
6 CHOCOLATE MAN - Featuring GUY DAVIS
7 ROSEWOOD
8 I HEARD THE ANGELS SINGIN’ - Featuring J. J.  MILTEAU & THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
9 DREAM CATCHERS - Featuring HARRISON KENNEDY & RUTHIE FOSTER
10 CHAIN REACTION - Featuring GLEN SCOTT
11 NEEDED TIME - Featuring TAJ MAHAL, THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
& RUTHIE FOSTER
12 OUT WALKIN’
13 REMEMBER THE ONES - Featuring LINDA TILLERY
14 HOME - Featuring ANDRE DE LANGE
15 WHERE DO WE GO - Featuring LEYLA McCALLA

Monday, April 21, 2014

Stony Plain Records artist: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - Rollin' With The Blues Boss - New Release review

I just received the newest release (April 22, 2014), Rollin' With The Blues Boss, from Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne and its quite good. Opening with Leavin' In The Morning, opens the release with a R&B infused blues track and a fine guitar intro by Tom Lavin on guitar. Wayne on vocal, organ and piano gets the band hopping and Loren Etkin on drums and Russell Jackson on bass hold down the bottom. You Bring The Jungle Out Of Me has a bit more funk and Jerry Cook (sax) and Vince Mai (trumpet) add nice horn work on the track. Wayne takes a nice organ solo on this track topping it off. Hootenanny Boogie-Woogie has a bit of that New Orleans feel with the piano and funk along the lines of WW Washington with nice backing vocals from Christine Best. Roadrunner has that gospel like key work that has made Leon Russell so popular (with me anyway). A straight beat on drums by Etkin offsets that "Mad Dogs" sound keeping it straight in the R&B style. Baby, It Ain't You is one of my favorite tracks on the release ... right down the soul blues highway, it also features the best vocal work on the release. Sibel Thrasher, Cecile Larochelle and Christine Best add really nice backing vocals on this track. I Can't Believe It is a rumbling R&B style track with polished jazz like phrasing. Two Sides is another super track with with great piano work and a rockin' gospel boogie blues feel. Again harmonizing vocals add a key component to this track. Slow Down has a bit of a country ballad feel... say like Gregg Allman. Sherman Doucette adds some nice harp work to this track. Ogopogo Boogie has a real solid New Orleans piano boogie sound. Wayne and Mai (trumpet) lead the way on this hot instrumental. Excellent! Keep On Rockin' stays in that New Orleans feel and Wayne's hand for the New Orleans sound is super. With a blues/boogie feel, a rock beat and sax contributions from Drew Davies, this track is easily one of the hottest tracks on the release. Out Like A Bullet is a real classic style piano boogie and Wayne really hits a homer here. An excellent track to wrap up a really cool release.  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! ”LIKE”

 This track isn't from the new release but does demonstrate his sound:


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

It's Time to Get "Rollin' With the Blues Boss" on New CD from Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Coming April 22 on Stony Plain Records with Special Guests Eric Bibb and Diunna Greenleaf

It’s Time to Get Rollin’ With the Blues Boss on New CD from Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Coming April 22 on Stony Plain Records with
Special Guests Eric Bibb and Diunna Greenleaf







EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records, Canada’s premier roots music label, announces an April 22 release date for Rollin’ With the Blues Boss, the new CD from keyboardist/singer extraordinaire Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne. Produced by Tom Lavin, Kenny’s new CD also features special guest appearances on one track each by Eric Bibb (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Diunna Greenleaf (vocals).

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne’s last album for Stony Plain, An Old Rock On a Roll (2011), garnered him a nomination for the Pinetop Perkins Piano Award from the Blues Foundation, as well as being awarded two 2012 Living Blues Awards, one for Best New Contemporary Blues Recording of 2011” and one for Wayne as “Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard).”

Wayne is a veteran blues and boogie piano player and also a three-time Juno Award nominee (Canada’s Grammy), including a win for his Let It Loose CD. His main influences are Fats Domino and Chuck Berry’s long-time piano player Johnnie Johnson, as well as Amos Milburn, Bill Doggett and Johnny Otis, king of the West Coast blues sound of the ‘50s.

He was raised in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Orleans, but has been a long-time resident of Vancouver, British Columbia, where his new album was recorded. He is now living in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia. A touring musician from his teens onward, Wayne settled in Vancouver some 30 years ago, but is rarely home — thanks to extended tours in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. His bass-heavy boogie piano work, as well as his original songs, makes for powerful live performances, enhanced by the flashy splendor of his boldly colored, French custom-tailored stage suits.

On Rollin’ With the Blues Boss, he flashes all of that and more on the album’s 11 all-original tracks, loaded with excursions into boogie-woogie, New Orleans-fueled R&B, blues, jazz and good-time rock ‘n roll. With Kenny Wayne, it’s all rolled up into one sartorially resplendent gem of-a-complete entertainer.

Of the new album’s many highlights, “Leavin’ In the Morning” kicks things off in fine style with a bouncy, bluesy riff that recalls B. B. King’s “Never Make Your Move Too Soon;” and “You Bring Out the Jungle In Me,” is aided by a punchy horn section that provides the same kick on several other songs. Blues Music Award-winner Diunna Greenleaf trades lead vocals with Wayne on the soul-blues ballad, “Baby, It Ain’t You;” and another BMA winner, Eric Bibb, supplies lead vocals and an acoustic guitar solo on the rollicking “Two Sides.” The jazzy-flavored “I Can’t Believe It” sounds like a song outtake from an old Bill Withers session; and “Ogopogo Boogie” is straight Crescent City N’awlins classic grooves from start to finish. The “Blues Boss” closes out the set in fine style as only he can, accompanied by just a drummer and pounding the 88s into submission on the instrumental, “Out Like a Bullet.”

Monday, October 28, 2013

Stony Plain Records artist: Eric Bibb - Jericho Road - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Jericho Road, from Eric Bibb and it's masterful. Opening with Drinkin' Gourd, a quiet but powerful track Bibb crafts a beautiful track complimented by African drums and woodwind. Freedom Train has a broad expression of openness and unconstrained feelings. Let The Mothers Step Up steps up the jazz feel with feelings of the best of Joni Mitchell jazz rock or Steely Dan. Have A Heart is a terrific song with the strong jazz fusion sound crafted by Meshell Ndegeocello. Vocals floating lightly on a bed of musicianship makes this a delightful track. Guest vocals by Ruthie Foster add a a textural warmth as well. The Right Thing is more of a musical chant featuring Victor Wooten on bass and lush vocal backing by Paris Renita and Glen Scott. Can't Please Everybody is a really cool track with an irregular beat kind of a mix of blues, funk and jazz rhythms. I really like this track, crafted like a 3 dimensional song. A sonic sculpture. There is also a nice slide guitar solo on this track that meets up with the tight drumming by Glen Scott. Excellent! The Lord's Work has a much more straight forward blues rock sound with reverb on light guitar work adding significant interest. Session Horns Sweden add cool horn interweaving and guest vocalist Cyndee Peters is nicely featured. With My Maker I Am One has the simplicity of Mali blues but overlaid with contemporary American sounds. Cool. They Know is a cleanly finger picked acoustic number with only Bibb on vocals. Very nice. She Got Mine has a lot of the sounds of country blues roots but with contemporary styling. Gospel like vocals give the track very strong highlights. Good Like You is another track with an unconventional rhythm pattern. Bibb's vocals are particularly solid on this track and the acoustic is forward in the mix over additions of backing vocals and sound effects by Glen Scott, Oscar Bibb, the harmonica of Jenny Bohman and Session Horns Sweden. Lastly, One Day At A Time is a predominitely vocal ballad with vocals by Glen Scott, Chinika Simon and featuring fretless gourd banjo by Michael Jerome Browne and Neville Malcolm on upright bass. This is one of the best Eric Bibb releases that I have heard and certainly the best one that I have had the opportunity to review.


  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! ”LIKE”

 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Eric Bibb Travels "Jericho Road" on New CD, Coming November 5 from Stony Plain Records



Eric Bibb Travels Jericho Road on New CD, Coming
November 5 from Stony Plain Records

Latest Album from Multi-Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Is a Masterful Journey of Blues, Folk and World Music





EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records announces a November 5 release date for Jericho Road, the new CD from multi-award winning singer/songwriter Eric Bibb. The latest album from Bibb is a masterful collection of 13 songs and two bonus tracks that solidifies his journey as a true story-teller, where blues, folk and world music intersect at a musical crossroads.

“The new record is an ambitious studio project that’s been a few years in the making,” says Eric Bibb about Jericho Road.  “It was produced by Glen Scott, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, arranger and producer, who I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with on several earlier albums.  This record reflects many of the musical influences that have informed my writing throughout my career.  World music sounds, blues, folk and soul all find their way into these songs.

“The title refers to the road between Jerusalem and Jericho where the Good Samaritan, a traveler of a despised race, stopped to help a stranger in need after better-off religious leaders had passed by and done nothing. On April 3, 1968, the night before his death, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King urged us to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, saying:  ‘Ultimately, you cannot save yourself without saving others.’  If this record has a theme, that’s it in a nutshell: have a heart.”

The all original tunes that comprise Jericho Road feature a number of songs co-written by Eric Bibb and Glen Scott, who also contributed musical backing on several instruments throughout the sessions. The two bonus tracks are “Now,” co-written by Bibb and Ernie McNally, and “Nanibali,” written and performed on vocal and kora by Solo Cissokho.

“My dear friend Ernie McNally gifted the world with these beautiful lyrics that inspired this call for a new world,” writes Bibb in the liner notes about “Now.” “Stylistically, this song stuck out from the others on the album, but the divine vocals from the wonderful Linda Tillery and Tammi Brown, Glen’s rhapsodic, churchy piano and the soulful trumpet sounds from Goran Kajfes compelled me to include it as a bonus track.

“Composed, sung and played by Solo Cissokho, ‘Nanibali’ is, for me, the perfect ending of the Jericho Road journey,” Bibb adds. “This thrilling performance by a modern West African griot celebrates unity, understanding and love between all members of the global community.

Jericho Road is Eric Bibb’s fourth album for Stony Plain and follows Deeper in the Well, which was nominated for two Blues Music Awards (winning him the 2013 honor for “Acoustic Artist”); and Brothers in Bamako, the critically-acclaimed pairing of Bibb and West African singer/guitarist Habib KoitĂ© (pronounced “Ha-beeb Kwa-tay”). His first label release came in 2006, when Eric and his legendary father, Leon Bibb, collaborated on the album, Praising Peace: A Tribute to Paul Robeson.

“Travelling over land and sea, playing and singing to audiences large and small, has blessed me with countless opportunities to observe and befriend people from all over the world,” observes Bibb in the new album’s liner notes. “Through the years I’ve discovered that while the human tribe is wonderfully diverse, we are not all that different from one another.

“Given all this exposure to so many cultures, I’m amazed, over and over again, at the prejudiced attitudes and the tendency to judge that linger in my own thinking. Making assumptions about people based on appearance is what we’ve all been conditioned to do, and falling into that trap is surely a big part of what keeps us in conflict with each other. Every time I catch myself going there I shake my head and hope that I’ve learned my lesson. Sometimes, the experience will lead to a new song.

“Musically, the songs that we’ve written for this record reflect many of the influences that have inspired us throughout our careers,” he continues. “World music sounds, blues, folk, soul and jazz flavors all find their way into the grooves.”

For more information, visit www.stonyplainrecords.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012

MARK PUCCI MEDIA ARTISTS GARNER 17 NOMINATIONS FROM THE BLUES FOUNDATION FOR THE 34th BLUES MUSIC AWARDS

ONLINE VOTING AND TICKET SALES NOW OPEN TO
BLUES FOUNDATION MEMBERS

ATLANTA, GA – Mark Pucci Media proudly congratulates all of our artists who received a total of 17 nominations when The Blues Foundation announced yesterday (December 12) the list of nominees for the 34th Annual Blues Music Awards. The Blues Music Awards are universally acknowledged as the highest honor for musicians and songwriters in Blues music. Winners will be announced on May 9, 2013, at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. Online voting is now open to Blues Foundation members at www.blues.org.

Heading the list of Mark Pucci Media honorees with three nominations each are Mud Morganfield, who garnered nominations for Album of the Year, Traditional Blues Album and Traditional Blues Male Artist for his Severn Records label debut CD, Son of the Seventh Son; as well as Mighty Sam McClain, who earned nominations for Soul Blues Album, Soul Blues Male Artist and Song of the Year for “Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey),” the title track from his Mighty Music label CD release.

Canadian roots label powerhouse Stony Plain Records gathered nominations for Eric Bibb, who was tapped for Acoustic Album and Acoustic Artist based on his label debut CD, Deeper in the Well; and perennial nominee Maria Muldaur, who once again received a nomination for the Koko Taylor Award as Traditional Blues Female based on the response to her latest CD, …First Came Memphis Minnie.

El Paso-based Catfood Records had another strong year, capped by former BMA-winner Johnny Rawls, who received two nominations: in the Soul Blues Male Artist and Soul Blues Album categories for his Soul Survivor CD. Johnny is joined this year by singer (and current Living Blues magazine cover girl) Barbara Carr, who received a nod as Soul Blues Female Artist for her Catfood Records debut, Keep the Fire Burning.

Other Mark Pucci Media artists receiving nominations include folk-blues singer/songwriter Doug MacLeod (whose new CD will be coming out in March on Reference Recordings) for Acoustic Artist; Ruf Records’ artists Royal Southern Brotherhood for Rock Blues Album for their eponymous label debut CD; Fabulous Thunderbirds leader Kim Wilson for Instrumentalist – Harmonica; Sweetspot Records artist Al Basile for Instrumentalist – Horn; and Blue Duchess Records artist and former multiple BMA winner David Maxwell for the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award.


“It is not uncommon in any arts genre for beloved artists with strong releases to pull in a number of nominations, and that is one of the factors at work this year,” Jay Sieleman, The Blues Foundation’s President, said in announcing the nominations. “Yet there are also more than a dozen first-time nominees, plus the six Best New Artist nominees.  It is gratifying to see both groups rewarded—those who have been near the top for a while and those who are getting the recognition they have been long seeking.”

Tickets for the 34th Blues Music Awards show are now on sale. Members receive seating preference at the Awards show and voting is now underway.  Blues Foundation members are the only fans who vote to decide which nominees will actually take home the Blues Music Award. Anyone can join The Blues Foundation by visiting their website at www.blues.org.

Once again, The Blues Music Awards will be broadcast live in their entirety on Sirius XM's B.B. King's Bluesville Channel and will be subsequently broadcast on public television.

Mark Pucci Media congratulates all of our artists and wishes them much success when the winners are announced in Memphis on May 9; and we encourage voters to consider all of our nominees. See you there!



Mark Pucci
Mark Pucci Media
5000 Oak Bluff Ct.
Atlanta, GA 30350-1069
(770) 804-9555
2008 Blues Foundation Recipient -
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" -
Publicist

Monday, November 5, 2012

Stony Plain Records artists: Habib Koite' and Eric Bibb - New Release Review

I have just received Brothers In Bamako, the newest recording from American singer/guitarist Eric Bibb and West African singer/guitarist Habib Koite'. This recording will hit the streets on November 6, 2012. This is an interesting blend of American folk/blues and West African folk/blues. The recording opens with On My Way To Bamako, a light island sounding folk track. L.A. has a strong sense of West Africa but with a bridge of straight pop. Touma Ni Kelen/Needed Time, another strongly West African influenced track has a very strong melody and switches continuously from native to English language and rhythm. Tombouctou again has a strong West African influence and the music is strong and soothing. The track again flips from a stronger African rhythm to a almost smooth jazz execution. Nani Le is a simple instrumental that has an enchanting melody, traditional West Aftican guitar and simple rhythm pattern. Khafole, another very traditional West African sounding track with banjo and vocal harmonies has a very warm sound... possibly my favorite track on the release. Foro Bana, another traditional sounding West African track with tandom guitars, blends nicely and is also very strong. Mami Wata, another instrumental duet, has a balance of Western and African influences with smooth pleasing result. This 13 track release has a bit of numerous cultures with strong influences from West Africa, American and traditional folk music. Given the opportunity to be heard, I believe that this recording will find a broad audience.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! ”LIKE”
 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Eric Bibb & Habib Koite Join Forces on "Brothers in Bamako" CD Coming November 6 from Stony Plain Records


Eric Bibb and Habib Koité Join Forces on Brothers in Bamako, New CD Coming November 6 from
Stony Plain Records

American and West African Guitarists Create a Scintillating Mix of Blues, Folk, Gospel and World Music on New Album


EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records, Canada’s premier roots music label, announces a November 6 release date for Brothers in Bamako, the new CD from American singer/guitarist Eric Bibb and West African singer/guitarist Habib KoitĂ©
(pronounced “HA-beeb KWA-tea”). The album is an exciting gumbo of the two artists’ influences of blues, folk, gospel and world music. Bibb and KoitĂ© will tour together in support of the new release, with dates scheduled for February and March, 2013, in both the U.S. and Canada. Stony Plain is distributed in the U.S. by ADA, in Canada by Warner Music and in foreign territories by a variety of well-established distribution companies.

The 13 songs on Brothers in Bamako showcase songs penned by each artist, as well as several written together, plus a fascinating cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” and the traditional blues, “Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad.” The new CD represents a musical crossroads of Bibb’s blues, folk and gospel influences, blended with KoitĂ©’s contemporary West African folk/world roots into a unique mixture of voices and guitars that is both passionate and ebullient.

“I watched my parents and it rubbed off on me,” says Habib KoitĂ© in the album’s liner notes, as he traces the origins of his profession and talent as a musician. Habib is the heir to an ancestral knowledge set to song that places him among the most influential voices of contemporary Africa. Eric Bibb has established his name in the new generation of bluesmen without renouncing the legacy of folk and gospel. The result is an organic meeting of Malian/African sounds and American folk/blues/gospel traditional music, creating a unique blend of world-folk-blues.

Habib and Eric first met 10 years ago, when both were invited to play on the album Mali to Memphis (Putumayo). They struck a chord, exchanged a few notes, then a few songs. A connection was established, friendship followed. Both recognized that blues has its roots in Africa. The dialogue continued and a follow-up meeting launched the project that would become Brothers in Bamako.

When Bibb and KoitĂ© sat down to begin recording the new album, any geographical or cultural differences vanished, and what was left was two artists with their own particular backgrounds, but with a similar vision arriving at a common ground that joined their music as one. Leon Bibb, Eric’s father, who associated just as much with Paul Robeson as Pete Seeger, celebrated the popular origins of these songs. Habib balances the subtle nuances of West African guitar playing and its abundant musical styles. He studied music at the National Arts Institute in Bamako, which allowed him to fuse this musical education into a unique approach where his cultural roots are just one element in service of his ideas. Both men draw on the organic material of tradition and the numerous world realities that demand their comment, to release a sung vision, a musical cry of hope.

“We probably play the same role,” says Eric. A relationship does exist between their individual approaches. An American singer who evolves from blues and folk could be seen as the logical extension of an African griot. But both men are contemporary singers, not copies of a tradition that could become stagnant.

Habib sings about his era, his environment. He lives, breathes and sings Africa, but an altered Africa, transformed by the rest of the world. Eric is receptive to this approach. And without consciously deciding, songs with a social message emerge. In the album’s opening track, “On My Way to Bamako,” Eric shares his feelings about his first visit to Mali and Habib returns the favor on the aptly-titled next song, “L.A.”; and worries about what’s waiting in Timbuktu on “Tombouctou.” The two also create a deft take on the global commercialism of today in “We Don’t Care.” (“We want the gold, as long as we don’t have to mine it; Don’t care who suffers or who’s behind it.”).

Throughout the rest of Brothers in Bamako, Eric Bibb and Habib Koité prove with great talent that the simplest song is often the most effective and that singing as they do is a universal necessity.

For more information, visit www.stonyplainrecords.com

Friday, March 16, 2012

Stony Plain Records artist: Eric Bibb - Deeper In The Well - New Recording Review


Stony Plain Records releases Eric Bibb's label debut cd, Deeper In The Well, with a huge splash. Bibb is joined on this recording by multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell, Creole fiddler Cedric Watson, drummer Danny Devillier and Harmonica player Grant Dermody.Special guests on the cd include Michael Jerome Brown, Jerry Douglas and Christine Balfa. Seven of the 13 tracks included on the release are Bibb originals. Bayou Belle is a quiet delta musical chant with Bibb's warm vocals complimented by Dermody's harp and his own guitar and swamp percussion of many types. Could Be You, Could Be Me is a great relaxed acoustic blues ... just perfect for laying in the hammock and laxin'. Dig A Little Deeper In The Well is an uptempo tune along the lines of Taj Mahal's I'm Going Fishing. This is a really enjoyable track with great supporting instrumentals and vocals. Money In Your Pocket actually starts to approach a roots (alt country) type song with snare drum taking precedence over earlier light handed rhythm. Boll Weevil is a traditional song and continues in the vein of earlier tracks staying on the light haunting sounds of the swamp folk blues. Sinner Man, another traditional song has a lot of the sounds present in older "plantation" tunes with beautiful background vocals and as throughout the entire recording, perfectly executed harp, fiddle and supplemental instrumentation. In My Time is a great straight up blues tune with terrific dobro tones by the unmistakable Jerry Douglas. Music is a happy go lucky tune almost approaching bluegrass. Movin' Up is an uplifting tune tune which would be the "airplay tune' on the cd to my ear. No Further is a quiet almost solemn tune with a solid rhythm played on dobro and vocals with warm harmonica interludes by Dermody. Every Wind In The River is an old Taj Mahal tune. I always liked this tune and Bibb takes a lighter touch on the song with banjo and mandolin. He has such a warm smooth voice is just flows nicely. Sittin' In A Motel Room is an introspective song with Bibb primarily playing his guitar and singing his thoughts. Its a nicely written and performed track. The Times They Are A Changin' of course by Bob Dylan is done beautifully by Bibb. Gone are Dylan's raspy voiced efforts and harmonica in the wind compliments (no disparaging comments toward to Bob intended) but Bibb transforms what was written as a beautiful concept into a beautiful anthem.

This is a really nice recording and if you like quiet calming blues with a swampy country twist... you should love this. Bibb is excellent!
Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my wall or post great blues photos or events! Share your favorite postings and get more exposure for your favorite band! - ”LIKE”

Saturday, January 28, 2012

ERIC BIBB Itinerary




1/27/2012 Portland, IN Arts Place (260) 726-4809

www.indianaarts.org


1/28/2012 Springfield, IL University of Illinois, Perf (217) 206-6160

www.sangamonauditorium.org


1/29/2012 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk (773) 728-6000

www.oldtownschool.org


1/30/2012 Minneapolis, MN Dakota Jazz Club & Res (612) 332-1010

www.dakotacooks.com/


2/1/2012 San Diego, CA Anthology (619) 595-0300

www.AnthologySD.com/


2/2/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907

www.ptgo.org


2/3/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907

www.ptgo.org


2/4/2012 Saratoga, CA Montalvo Center for Arts (408) 961-5858

www.montalvoarts.org


2/5/2012 N Vancouver, BC Capilano University Perf (604) 990-7810

www2.capilanou.ca/news-events/performin


2/8/2012 Albuquerque, NM South Broadway Cultural (505) 232-9868

www.ampconcerts.org/


2/9/2012 Durango, CO Fort Lewis College (970) 247-7657

http://www.durangoconcerts.com/


2/10/2012 Santa Fe, NM Lensic Performing Arts (505) 988-1234

www.lensic.com


2/11/2012 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Mus 480-478-6000

www.themim.org


2/13/2012 Chico, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing (530) 345-2739

www.sierranevada.com


2/14/2012 Crescent City, CA Crescent Elk Aditorium (707) 464-1336

www.dnaca.net


2/16/2012 Berkeley, CA Freight & Salvage (510) 548-1761

www.thefreight.org


2/17/2012 Sebastopol, CA Sebastopol Community (707) 829-7067

www.cumuluspresents.com/


2/18/2012 Grass Valley, CA Center For the Arts (530) 274-8384

www.thecenterforthearts.org

Thursday, December 22, 2011

ERIC BIBB - Itinerary

1/27/2012 Portland, IN Arts Place (260) 726-4809
www.indianaarts.org
1/28/2012 Springfield, IL University of Illinois, Perf (217) 206-6160
www.sangamonauditorium.org
1/29/2012 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk (773) 728-6000
www.oldtownschool.org
2/1/2012 San Diego, CA Anthology (619) 595-0300
www.AnthologySD.com/
2/2/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907
www.ptgo.org
2/3/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907
www.ptgo.org
2/4/2012 Saratoga, CA Montalvo Center for Arts (408) 961-5858
www.montalvoarts.org
2/5/2012 N Vancouver, BC Capilano University Perf (604) 990-7810
www2.capilanou.ca/news-events/performin
2/8/2012 Albuquerque, NM South Broadway Cultural (505) 232-9868
www.ampconcerts.org/
2/9/2012 Durango, CO Fort Lewis College (970) 247-7657
http://www.durangoconcerts.com/
2/10/2012 Santa Fe, NM Lensic Performing Arts (505) 988-1234
www.lensic.com
2/11/2012 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Mus 480-478-6000
www.themim.org
2/13/2012 Chico, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing (530) 345-2739
www.sierranevada.com
2/14/2012 Crescent City, CA Crescent Elk Aditorium (707) 464-1336
www.dnaca.net
2/16/2012 Berkeley, CA Freight & Salvage (510) 548-1761
www.thefreight.org
2/17/2012 Sebastopol, CA Sebastopol Community (707) 829-7067
www.cumuluspresents.com/
2/18/2012 Grass Valley, CA Center For the Arts (530) 274-8384
www.thecenterforthearts.org
Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! - Here

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Stony Plain Records celebrates 2012 Blues Music Awards' nominations

Vote Today for Stony Plain Records

Stony Plain Records celebrates 2012 Blues Music Awards' nominations

When The Blues Foundation announced the list of nominees for the 33rd AnnualBlues Music Awards on Tuesday, December 13, Stony Plain Record’s artists were well represented with 7 nominations. The Blues Music Awards are universally acknowledged as the highest honour for musicians and songwriters in Blues music. Winners will be announced on May 10 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. Online voting is now open to Blues Foundation members at www.blues.org. Individual and corporate memberships are available for those who would like to vote.
The nominations continue a year in which Stony Plain Records Records celebrated our 35th year as Canada's roots, rock, country, folk and blues label, with the release of a special 2CD + bonus DVD compilation, 35 Years of Stony Plain. Earlier this fall the label received 14 nominations in Canada's Maple Blues Awards, recognising the talents of MonkeyJunk, Harry Manx & Kevin Breit, Duke Robillard and Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne.
Stony Plain Records nominees for the 2012 Blues Music Awards:
Maria Muldaur
Steady Love

Maria Muldaur

Nominated for:
Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female)
The Pilot:
"Muldaur has one foot in church and another in a Saturday night juke joint as she belts out hand-clapping church rousers, soul ballads and greasy swamp stompers. Over the years her voice has only gotten better, with her pipes now displaying a lusty, full-bodied resonance."
Blues In Britain Magazine:
""Soul & grit" emanates from Muldaur's voice... Muldaur and the band excel at all levels... A triumph!"
Blinded By Sound:
"There are echoes here of the way Ray Charles turned gospel into secular gold, and Muldaur shows that spirituality can still rock out - the sacred and the profane aren’t all that far apart, and spirituality can still temper earthly desire without corrupting the former or diluting the latter."
Living Blues Radio Chart:
#1 for October, #2 for November
Rory Block
Shake 'Em On Down

Rory Block

Nominated for:
Acoustic Artist
Acoustic Album (for Shake 'Em On Down: A Tribute To Mississippi Fred McDowell)
Living Blues Magazine:
"There's plenty to admire in her torrid slide work, the passion she infuses into her reedy vocals, and the obvious dedication with which she has undertaken this project."
No Depression Magazine:
"Creating something new and honoring the past at the same time."
Jazz & Blues Report Magazine:
"A superb recording."
Duke Robillard
Low Down and Tore Up

Duke Robillard

Nominated for:
Gibson Guitar Award
The Alternate Root:
"One of the pre-eminent guitarists in the world today, bar none."
Billings Gazette:
"The master blues guitarist heads back to the 1940s and '50s for a set of swinging blues covers from the Mt. Rushmore of early electric bluesmen"
Blues Revue (in Blues Wax newsletter):
"Gut Bucket with Caviar!!"
Living Blues Radio Chart:
#3 for October and November
Pittsburgh Post Gazette:
"Simply one of the best guitarists around."
Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne
An Old Rock On A Roll

Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne

Nominated for:
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
Vintage Guitar Magazine:
"A red-hot boogie woogie ivory tickler."
Blues Festival E-Guide:
"Hammers out rockin' boogie woogie, deeply felt blues, and puts a fresh coat of paint on ... roots rock and roll."
Living Blues Magazine:
"This release is certain to garner many deserved nominations and awards."
Joe Louis Walker
Blues Conspiracy

Joe Louis Walker

Nominated for:
Contemporary Blues Male Artist
Chicago Sun-Times:
"Joe Louis Walker has achieved exalted status."
Blues Blast Magazine:
"Energy, undeniable personality, and high caliber talent."
Phoenix Blues Society:
"A fun set that sounds like it was as enjoyable to play as it must have been to watch."
Hampton Roads:
"He's the kind of guitarist... who always brings applause."
Eric Bibb

Eric Bibb

Nominated for:
Acoustic Artist
Acoustic Album (released by Telarc/Concord Music Group)
Stony Plain Records announces the signing of acclaimed folk blues singer/songwriter/guitarist Eric Bibb, and will release his debut CD for the label, Deeper in the Well, in March 2012. Deeper in the Well features Eric Bibb on vocals and guitar backed by multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell, guitarist Cedric Watson, drummer Danny Devillier and harmonica player Grant Dermody. Special guests on the CD include Michael Jerome Browne, Jerry Douglas and Christine Balfa.
Eric’s last CD, Troubadour Live, recorded at a 2010 concert in Stockholm, Sweden, was released earlier this year.

Vote Today!

You must be a registered member of the Blues Foundation to vote. Join today, if you're not already a member.

www.stonyplainrecords.com


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

STONY PLAIN RECORDS SIGNS ACCLAIMED FOLK BLUES SINGER/ SONGWRITER/GUITARIST ERIC BIBB

STONY PLAIN RECORDS SIGNS ACCLAIMED FOLK BLUES SINGER/ SONGWRITER/GUITARIST ERIC BIBB

LABEL DEBUT CD, DEEPER IN THE WELL, DUE IN MARCH, 2012

EDMONTON, AB – Stony Plain Records announces the signing of acclaimed folk blues singer/songwriter/guitarist Eric Bibb, and will release his debut CD for the label, Deeper in the Well, in March 2012. Deeper in the Well features Eric Bibb on vocals and guitar backed by multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell, guitarist Cedric Watson, drummer Danny Devillier and harmonica player Grant Dermody. Special guests on the CD include Michael Jerome Browne, Jerry Douglas and Christine Balfa.

Eric’s last CD, Troubadour Live, recorded at a 2010 concert in Stockholm, Sweden, was released earlier this year and recently was voted fourth in the Downbeat magazine Readers Poll for blues albums. A prior album, Booker’s Guitar (2010), paid tribute to blues artist Bukka White and featured Bibb playing the actual guitar of the blues icon.

Eric Bibb was born into a musical family and raised in New York City. His father is noted folk singer Leon Bibb, and his uncle was John Lewis, the world-famous jazz pianist and composer of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Legendary actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson was Eric’s godfather, and some of the musical friends who could be seen and heard around the Bibb household in those days included Pete Seeger, Odetta and Bob Dylan.

Eric got his first guitar at age seven and by 13 had entered New York City’s famed High School of Music and Art, studying several instruments, as well as vocals. When he was 16, his father asked him to play guitar in the house band for his local TV talent show.

In 1970, Eric left New York City’s Columbia University for Paris, meeting legendary guitarist Mickey Baker, and began to focus on blues guitar. He later moved to Sweden and travelled extensively throughout Europe, writing and performing his own songs in festivals and clubs all around the Continent.

Over the course of many album releases in the intervening years, Eric Bibb has been nominated for multiple Blues Music Awards in several categories. In addition to the Grammy-nominated Shakin’ a Tailfeather children’s album (which also featured Taj Mahal), some of his other noted albums during this period included A Family Affair, which teamed him up with his father for a series of duets and solo tunes; and Friends, which included special guests Taj Mahal, Odetta, Charlie Musselwhite and Guy Davis.

Eric Bibb will support the release of Deeper in the Well with extensive touring in the U.S. and around the world. For more information, visit www.ericbibb.com and www.stonyplainrecords.com.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ERIC BIBB - Latest Tour Info



Itinerary
1/27/2012 Portland, IN Arts Place (260) 726-4809
www.indianaarts.org
1/28/2012 Springfield, IL University of Illinois, Perf (217) 206-6160
www.sangamonauditorium.org
1/29/2012 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk (773) 728-6000
www.oldtownschool.org
2/1/2012 San Diego, CA Anthology (619) 595-0300
www.AnthologySD.com/
2/2/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907
www.ptgo.org
2/3/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907
www.ptgo.org
2/4/2012 Saratoga, CA Montalvo Center for Arts (408) 961-5858
www.montalvoarts.org
2/5/2012 N Vancouver, BC Capilano University Perf (604) 280-3311
www2.capilanou.ca/news-events/performin
2/8/2012 Albuquerque, NM South Broadway Cultural (505) 232-9868
www.ampconcerts.org/
2/9/2012 Durango, CO Fort Lewis College (970) 247-7657
http://www.durangoconcerts.com/
2/10/2012 Santa Fe, NM Lensic Performing Arts (505) 988-1234
www.lensic.com
2/11/2012 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Mus 480-478-6000
www.themim.org
2/13/2012 Chico, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing (530) 345-2739
www.sierranevada.com
2/14/2012 Crescent City, CA Crescent Elk Aditorium (707) 464-1336
www.dnaca.net
2/16/2012 Berkeley, CA Freight & Salvage (510) 548-1761
www.thefreight.org
2/17/2012 Sebastopol, CA Sebastopol Community (707) 829-7067
www.cumuluspresents.com/
2/18/2012 Grass Valley, CA Center For the Arts (530) 274-8384
www.thecenterforthearts.org
http://www.folkloreproductions.com
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Eric Bibb - Tour Schedule







ERIC BIBB

Itinerary

9/11/2011 Edmonton, AB Winspear Centre (780) 428-1414

www.winspearcentre.com

9/12/2011 Calgary, AB Epcor Centre for Perfor (780) 428-1414

www.winspearcentre.com

9/18/2011 Telluride, CO Telluride Blues & Brews (970) 728-8037

www.tellurideblues.com

9/20/2011 Collegedale, TN Southern Adventist Univ (423) 236-2814

www.southern.edu

9/23/2011 Valdez, AK Valdez Spirit Cruise (907) 835-4440

www.valdezartscouncil.org

9/24/2011 Anchorage, AK Alaska Center for the Pe (907) 694-7019

http://whistlingswan.net/

9/25/2011 Palmer, AK Vagabond Blues (907) 694-7019

www.vagblues.com/

1/27/2012 Portland, IN Arts Place (260) 726-4809

www.indianaarts.org

1/28/2012 Springfield, IL University of Illinois, Per (217) 206-6160

www.sangamonauditorium.org

2/1/2012 San Diego, CA Anthology (619) 595-0300

www.AnthologySD.com/

2/2/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907

www.ptgo.org

2/3/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907

www.ptgo.org

2/4/2012 Saratoga, CA Montalvo Center for Arts (408) 961-5858

www.montalvoarts.org

2/5/2012 N Vancouver, BC Capilano University Perf (604) 280-3311

www2.capilanou.ca/news-events/performin

2/8/2012 Albuquerque, NM South Broadway Cultura (505) 232-9868

www.ampconcerts.org/

2/9/2012 Durango, CO Fort Lewis College (970) 247-7657

http://www.durangoconcerts.com/

2/10/2012 Santa Fe, NM Lensic Performing Arts (505) 988-1234

www.lensic.com

2/11/2012 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Mus 480-478-6000

www.themim.org

2/13/2012 Chico, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing (530) 345-2739

www.sierranevada.com

2/14/2012 Crescent City, CA Crescent Elk Aditorium (707) 464-1336

www.dnaca.net




Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Tour Schedule - Eric Bibb


ERIC BIBB
Itinerary
7/3/2011 Montréal, QC Festival Intnl de Jazz de (514) 288-1424
www.montrealjazzfest.com
7/8/2011 Gravenhurst, ON Peter's Place Live (705) 687-2117
www.petersplayers.com/
7/10/2011 Tremblant, QC Festival International du
www.tremblantblues.com/home/
7/17/2011 Rockland, ME North Atlantic Blues Fest (207) 691-2248
www.northatlanticbluesfestival.com/
7/20/2011 Farmington, CT Sunken Garden Poetry F (860) 677-4787
www.hillstead.org/activities/poetry_perfor
7/22/2011 Hudson, NY Club Helsinki on Hudson (518) 828-4800
www.helsinkihudson.com/
7/24/2011 Prince Frederick, MD St. John Vianney Church
www.sjvflc.com/
7/26/2011 Seattle, WA Triple Door (206) 838-4333
www.thetripledoor.net
7/27/2011 Enterprise, OR RimRock Inn Restaurant (541) 828-7769
www.rimrockrestaurant.com/
7/29/2011 Comox, BC Filberg Festival (250) 287-4710
www.filbergfestival.com/
7/30/2011 Comox, BC Filberg Heritage Festival (250) 287-4710
www.filbergfestival.com/
9/11/2011 Edmonton, AB Winspear Centre for Per (780) 428-1414
www.winspearcentre.com
9/12/2011 Calgary, AB Epcor Centre for Perfor (780) 428-1414
www.winspearcentre.com
9/18/2011 Telluride, CO Telluride Blues & Brews (970) 728-8037
www.tellurideblues.com
9/20/2011 Collegedale, TN Southern Adventist Univ (423) 236-2814
www.southern.edu
9/23/2011 Valdez, AK Valdez Civic Center (907) 835-4440
www.valdezartscouncil.org
9/24/2011 Anchorage, AK Alaska Center for the Pe (907) 694-7019
http://whistlingswan.net/
9/25/2011 Palmer, AK Vagabond Blues (907) 694-7019
www.vagblues.com/
1/27/2012 Portland, IN Arts Place (260) 726-4809
www.indianaarts.org
1/28/2012 Springfield, IL University of Illinois, Perf (217) 206-6160
www.sangamonauditorium.org
2/2/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907
www.ptgo.org
2/3/2012 Ojai, CA Matilija Auditorium (805) 646-8907
www.ptgo.org
2/4/2012 Saratoga, CA Montalvo Center for Arts (408) 961-5858
www.montalvoarts.org
2/5/2012 N Vancouver, BC Capilano University Perf (604) 280-3311
www2.capilanou.ca/news-events/performin
2/9/2012 Durango, CO Fort Lewis College (970) 247-7657
http://www.durangoconcerts.com/
2/10/2012 Santa Fe, NM Lensic Performing Arts (505) 988-1234
www.lensic.com
2/11/2012 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Mus 480-478-6000
www.themim.org
2/13/2012 Chico, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing (530) 345-2739
www.sierranevada.com

Sunday, June 5, 2011

I Heard the Angels Singing - Eric Bibb


Eric Bibb (born August 16, 1951) is an American acoustic blues singer-songwriter. He is based in London and launched his career in Europe. Today he lives in Finland.Bibb's father, Leon Bibb, is a singer in musical theatre who made a name for himself as part of the 1960s New York folk scene. His uncle was the jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Family friends included Pete Seeger, and actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, Bibb's godfather.

He was given his first steel-string acoustic guitar aged seven. Growing up surrounded by talent, he recalls a childhood conversation with Bob Dylan, who, on the subject of guitar playing, advised the 11-year-old Bibb to "Keep it simple, forget all that fancy stuff".

Bibb remembers from his early teen years:

I would cut school and claim I was sick. When everyone would leave the house I would whip out all the records and do my own personal DJ thing all day long, playing Odetta, Joan Baez, the New Lost City Ramblers, Josh White.

At 16 years old, his father invited him to play guitar in the house band for his TV talent show "Someone New". Bill Lee, who played bass in this band, was later to appear on Bibb's albums Me To You and Friends.

In 1969, Bibb played guitar for the Negro Ensemble Company at St. Mark's Place in New York. He went on to study Psychology and Russian at Columbia University, but did not finish these studies. Aged 19, Bibb left for Paris, where he met guitarist Mickey Baker who focused his interest in blues guitar.

Bibb moved to Sweden and lived in Stockholm, where he immersed himself in pre-war blues and the newly-discovered world music scene, while he continued to write and perform.

The album Good Stuff was released in 1997 on Opus 3 and American label Earthbeat. Bibb signed to the British-based Code Blue label, but only released one album, Me to You, featuring appearances from some of Bibb's personal heroes, Pops and Mavis Staples, and Taj Mahal. This was followed by tours of the UK, USA, Canada, France, Sweden and Germany.
Eric Bibb at the Liri Blues Festival, Italy, in 2000.

In the late 1990s Bibb joined forces with his then manager Alan Robinson to form Manhaton Records in Britain. The albums Home to Me (1999), Roadworks (2000) and Painting Signs (2001) followed, as did the 2005 releases for Opus 3, Just Like Love and Spirit & the Blues (Hybrid SACD of 1999 Earthbeat release). He now plays all over the world on tour; see Erics Website for details.

After that, he made A Family Affair (2002) with his father, Leon Bibb. This was followed by Natural Light then Friends – 15 tracks featuring Bibb duetting with friends and musicians he had met on his travels such as Taj Mahal, Odetta, Charlie Musselwhite, Guy Davis, Mamadou Diabate and Djelimady Toukara.

In 2004, Eric Bibb released "Friends" as his debut release under Telarc International Corporation. Bibb has remained with Telarc Records since 2004 releasing several additional albums including, "A Ship Called Love" in 2005, "Diamond Days" in 2007, and "Spirit I Am" in 2008. Bibb released Booker's Guitar in January 2010 with music channeled from the Delta Guitar Master himself, Booker White, also known as Bukka White.
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE