Eric Bibb, Family
Exclusive Video Premiere: Eric Bibb ‘Family’
Rock & Blues Muse is very pleased to exclusively premiere Eric Bibb’s new video “Family.” Two-time Grammy nominee and multiple Blues Music Award-winner, Eric Bibb is a blues musician with 30-plus albums to his name. Highly acclaimed for his honest approach to roots music, this acoustic blues master, singer and songwriter’s sound is a blend of Delta blues, folk, pre-war gospel and soul.
The American-born blues musician is an American treasure, now based in Sweden. His last album Dear America on Provogue/Mascot Label Group, includes guests Ron Carter and Eric Gales and featured drummer Steve Jordan. The album covered such topics as history, spirituality, family, politics and social issues. He’s recorded and performed with Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Pops & Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Ruthie Foster, Linda Tillery, and many others and opened for Ray Charles in 2001.
About his new video “Family” Eric Bibb says, “With so much social divisiveness and side-taking in the world today, I’m eager to share songs that encourage unity and communication. ‘Family’, the first single and lead-off track from my upcoming album, is that kind of song. To my delight, thanks to producer Glen Scott’s total command of the vernacular of Soul, this funky track turned into a tribute to Sly & The Family Stone. I’m playing a vintage 6-string banjo and in the intro I quote an old song, ‘Two Brothers’, which tells the story of siblings who fought on opposing sides during the American Civil War. It seemed fitting. The song ‘Family’ and the accompanying video are all about our connection to each other – a celebration of families of all shapes and sizes and the global family that we’re all a part of.”
“Family” is a profound statement of human unity and community set to a sparse, funky beat. Its message is its focus. The mid-speed, minimalist approach gives Bibb the time and space to impart the understanding that all people are the same and we don’t need to be divided and afraid of each other. His relaxed, baritone vocals are smooth and hypnotic, as is his groove on the six-string banjo he rocks in the music video. “Family” is a low-key anthem that calmly speaks the truth we need to grasp in these intense times. Let it in and let it do its work.
With his soulful, rich voice, Bibb sings “I am like you. Born of a woman. I am like you, a child of God. You are like me, here to learn from history. You are like me, family.” A strong groove and bass underpin the song while Bibb displays some fine picking on his banjo. Singing directly to the camera, he sings to all of us.
Watch “Family”
Download/Purchase “Family” Here
A gifted blues guitar player, Bibb is also an acclaimed storyteller. He’s moved around Europe before settling in Sweden. His career started in the UK when he supported Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Over 30 albums later, Bibb is still going strong, still the blues troubadour circling the globe. He’s an artist who reaches listeners with his stories, his songs, his voice and authenticity.On “Family” the group includes Eric Bibb (lead vocal, guitar, banjo), Ash Haynes (guest vocals), Glen Scott (drums, bass, organ, Wurlitzer, slide, backing vocals), and on backing vocals Paris Renita, Ida Sandlund, Ulrika Bibb, UMOJA Choir (Leonella Bosch, India Scott, Aretha Scott, Linda Butseme, Rachel Idrona Biirah, Nicole Grenhagen, Jasmine Ahmad, Livia Panico.)
Eric Bibb has been touring a stage show he developed titled Tales From A Blues Brother. With captivating oral history and music, the show traces Eric’s journey through the 60’s folk scene and civil rights movements.
A prolific songwriter, Bibb is also a road warrior, having toured the world many times over. His father, New York folk singer Leon Bibb, raised Eric around legends such as Pete Seeger, Odetta, Richie Havens, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.
Stay tuned for exciting news about Eric Bibb.
Eric Bibb website
Eric Bibb 2023 tour dates see here
So moving and beautiful, Martine. OMG!!
Fantastic!!