Eric Bibb's latest U.S. CD release, called Get Onboard, is smooth and grooving. Along with bass, drums and guitars it's loaded with the sounds and textures of keyboards, horns, harmonicas, mandolins, background singers and more. However, when he walks out onto the Main Stage at the 24th annual Monterey Bay Blues Festival, he is alone with only his acoustic 6 string. After he takes a seat we quickly learn that he doesn't need all the "bells and whistles" to evoke the deep soulful spirituality that exudes from his every pour.
He is tall and lean, dapperly attired with a salmon colored dress shirt, gray-green slacks, tan straw fedora and a great big smile. He opens with the song Pocket from the latest album. His smile is always there until he starts playing then he becomes focused and at the same time lost in the song. Once he loses himself in the song he seems to be having an out-of-body experience. His calm smooth soulful voice with the simplicity of his guitar sound juxtaposed by the complexity of his playing creates a very unique sound. There's no confusing Eric Bibb with any other artist. I would describe him as Soulful Silk.
As the song begins, I must admit, that at first I am a little leery. I'm thinking "Oh no, some harp player is gunna blow all over Eric's groove". I couldn't be more wrong. All through the first verse of the bluesy song Dermody sits silent. When the time comes for him to come in he does so smoothly and gracefully and lifts the song to a new level. He adds just the right amount of texture and feel, never overpowering any part of any song.
After a few songs he announces, "It's a great pleasure to be out here in the sunshine with you and an even greater pleasure to introduce to you one of my favorite musicians.... would you please welcome to the stage on harmonica.... the great Grant Dermody". As Grant settles himself in, Bibb goes on to say that the next CD will be called Bookers Guitars. It will be just him, "this guitar and Grant Demody on harmonica". They launch into a song called New Home which will be featured on the album.
Backstage, after the set, Eric Bibb is once again all smiles. He's more than happy to shake hands and chat with staff, photographers and most anyone who might approach him. His easy going personality matches his music perfectly. I ask him if he's seen the painting of himself and he looks at me quizzically. I lead him behind the curtain under the stage where Festival Artist Carey Crockett paints portraits of the artists as they play, just putting the finishing touches on the portrait of Eric Bibb. Eric looks in amazement. His Eyes widen and his smile broadens. "I didn't know this was goin' on down here."
It's
the perfect capper for a perfect day for Eric Bibb. It's impossible not to
like his music and, after meeting him, it's impossible not to like the man.
Check out the full video interview with Eric, Grant and myself here on PhotoGrafiti
Artist Web Sites:
Eric Bibb at http://www.ericbibb.com/
Grant Dermody at http://www.grantdermody.com/
Eric Bibb 24rd Monterey Bay Blues Festival
Journalist LenCat
Photojournalist PhotoGrafiti
and LenCat
©
PhotoGrafiti 2009 reproduction by
written consent
Journalist LenCat is a veteran singer/songwriter/guitarist
LenCat has recorded and performed in the Bay Area for 25
years.
Check
him out at http//www.lencat.com
