CD Review – Eric Bibb “Troubadour” Live

Submitted by Blue Barry – smoky Mt. Blues Society

March 15^th, 2011

Eric Bibb’s new “Troubadour Live” CD is a must for any Eric Bibb Fan. On this new “live” CD Eric is accompanied by Swedish guitarist Staffan Astner, and the gospel trio Psalm4. The CD was recorded in Uppsala, Sweden in Dec. 2010. The beautiful gospel singing backup with Psalm4, and Staffan’s brilliant lead guitar work and slide are a great mix.

The CD opens up with “The Cape,” an Eric Bibb standard that is a prelude to the rest of the music. “New World Comin’ Through,” is powerful song with Paris Renita of the Psalm4 helping with her beautiful voice. “Better Things To Come,” features Eric at his best, and some sultry slide by Staffan. This is a really good piece. In fact the whole CD just gets stronger as it goes. With 13 cuts you get a lot of great music for your money.

I have to confess that I really like Eric Bibb, but this live CD is really something. It is great to hear him work with other excellent musicians in a live setting, and everyone adds to the other. Towards the end we go back to just Eric on some solo tunes that are excellent.

“Walking Blues Again,” is pure Bibb and why we listen to him. Light and on the money. “Put Your Love First,” is a reminder that keeping a relationship alive, and going well is a lot of work. This song was co-written with Troy Cassar-Daley from Australia. We have a reggae tune here with “If You Were Not My Woman.” An easy, free-flowing love song with that hypnotic beat. Eric pulls it off with ease. “Troubadour,” is another signature Bibb piece that is a knock out with Staffan on guitar again. Eric does the everything on this new CD, from up tempo to slow ballads. “Shavin Talk” is a song about seeing yourself in the mirror and reminding yourself just how good you have it. We should do more of that. “Connected” is a pure Eric Bibb explosion. He sings that we are all related, and connected to each other. What a great message that is. Soft and smooth, with guitar and piano, and towards the end Andre De Lange sings in Zulu! As usual Eric Bibb outdoes himself. If you like Eric this one is for you. If you have never heard him this is a great place to start. I wish I could play the stuff he has forgotten. Enjoy my friends, blue barry.