Eric Bibb

Ridin

Ridin’ the follow-up album to Eric Bibb’s award-winning Dear America continues to captivate me on a myriad of levels.  His lyrical prowess and instrumental finesse are indeed a powerful combination.  Ridin’ contains fifteen tracks, and an impressive list of guest musicians consisting of Taj Mahal, Jontavious Willis, Russell Malone, Amar Sundy, Harrison Kennedy and Habib Koite.

I knew I was in for a treat as soon as “Family” kicked in.  The rootsy banjo-led track with funky organ licks and a gospel-infused backing chorus is a bodacious listen.  Bibb invites Taj Mahal and Jontavious to join in for “Blues Funky Like Dat”.  This ode to the overlap of blues and church is a fascinating listen.  The way Bibb sings about being a great distance away from home in “500 Miles” is beautiful and heartfelt.  Son House came to one of Bibb’s dream, and “I Got My Own” was written.  I love the hot electric guitar licks Sundy drops in this deep blues track.  Harrison Kennedy (Chairmen of the Board) delightfully joins in with guitar and vocals on the country-blues duet ‘”Call Me By My Name”.

A true poet and balladeer, Bibb scores high marks again with Ridin’.

Phillip Smith

phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

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