Album Review: Eric Bibb - Deeper In The Well

This soulful blues musician has frequented our shores many times, and no doubt he will be coming back to promote his new album, Deeper In The Well. Based as usual in the blues, this time Bibb relishes his jaunt in Louisiana and gets down to the basics with JJ Cale's band on this new recording. It's definitely a good move, and for any fans of JJ Cale, this is a wonderful adjunct.

Bibb is a gentle acoustic player without the usual electric flirtations of most blues players. His best moments are when he gets close to gospel, where his voice really opens up. Sinner Man and Boll Weevil are covers of songs that touch folk and gospel traditions and his interpretations are simple and economic. There are also the self-penned songs like Sittin' In A Hotel Room which touch upon the fragile existence of touring, yet as you would expect he brings enjoyment to the experience. As with the best folk touring artists in current times you feel this joy from the outset.

Bibb grew up with music in his blood – Bibb's father was a famous folk artist in the '60s and he was surrounded by jazz and roots artists from an early age – and here he gives away his real direction on the last track when he covers Bob Dylan's Times They Are A-Changin', which is a classic read for the folk artist of today. It does seem there is nothing Bibb can't do. He is consistently one of the best in his field; as with his previous releases, this is a wonderful record.