CD Review: “Deeper In The Well” by Eric Bibb

Deeper in the Well

You’ve no doubt heard the statement “grew up in a musical family” numerous times before. Those words are understatement where Eric Bibb is concerned. Bibb’s father, Leon Bibb, is a trained singer who sang in musical theatre and made a name for himself as part of the 1960's New York folk scene. His uncle was the world famous jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Family friends included Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Odetta and actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, Eric's godfather.

Some pedigree, huh? Well, let me tell you, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, and what a sweet apple it is. Born in New York City, Bibb now makes his home in Stockholm, Sweden (sweet-nin’ baby). He got his first steel string guitar at age seven and cut his teeth on the folk music of the day; Dylan, Odetta, Joan Baez, The New Lost City Ramblers, Josh White amongst others. At 16 he played in his fathers house band on a local TV show. In that band, he not only got to play music with his dad, but he learned about being part of a band. One of those band members that helped form his early chops was Bill Lee, who would years later play on Eric's album Me To You. You might not recognize Bill Lee’s name, but unless you have been under that proverbial rock for about 20 years, you know his kid. Famed movie director Spike Lee.

Deeper in the Well is Bibb’s debut with Stony Plains Records. It promises to be a mutually beneficial relationship as the album is full of beautiful folk blues, both traditional folk songs like “Boll Weevil” and “Sinner Man” but also some great originals.

“Bayou Belle” by Eric Bibb from the album Deeper In The Well

In ‘97 Bibb received a Grammy nomination for Shakin' a Tailfeather, a compilation album made with Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir and hero and major influence, Taj Mahal. he’s also won and been nominated for more W.C. Handy’s than you can shake a drum stick at.  And now he has been nomintaed for a Swedish Grammy, so it’s clear he’s not sitting back and resting on his laurels.

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. The arrangements are nothing short of brilliant as the performances. Bibb may just be the premiere folk blues guitarist working today. His voice was made for it and it’s clear the music is in his soul is too.

The album is to be released on march 27, and 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.

 

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