Eric Bibb - Blues People - 2014

 

Eric Bibb's main appeal has always been his positive and hopeful tone conveyed with a warm voice, impeccable acoustics and Glen Scott's balanced production. All this is present in his new work Blues People, but in addition, here, he wants to push the listener towards racial harmony by reminding him of the main redemptive achievements that emerged from a bad past. This album is in part a tribute to the memory of the great Dr. Martin Luther King.

Here the power of the blues community in its historical aspect to help document abuses and promote change is recognized, and it is recognized by bringing on board many of its esteemed colleagues such as Taj Mahal and The Blind Boys of Alabama and more recent stars such as Ruthie Foster and Popa Chubby. Still, Blues People avoids the tedious "and friends" title by being one of Bibb's most coherent efforts to date. His unforced mix of country blues, folk, gospel and soul, even with Scott's application of modern touches, firmly supports his vision, making it difficult to overlook the connection between these styles of music and their inherent heritage of being used to bring the greatest messages to humanity, not just about personal relationships.

As one of the sharpest practitioners of Real Blues for quite some time, there may be no one today more qualified (except Otis Taylor) to use the blues as an instrument to promote social progress, and he does so with careful craftsmanship, through of the diversity and intensity that we find in Blues People.

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 JJ Milteau & The Blind Boys Of Alabama

9. Dream Catchers – featuring Harrison Kennedy & Ruthie Foster

10. Chain Reaction – featuring Glenn 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 

Fuente: http://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/10/30/eric-bibb-blues-people-2014/