Search - Eric Bibb :: Get Onboard

"This is a train I wanna catch . . . . "

Prayer Flags in the Woods | Humboldt County, CA | 03/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"as has been true for me with Eric Bibb's last records, there are at least five songs on this one that I can see myself still listening to twenty years from now . . . . . and in the meanwhile, I'm sure enjoying all the other songs on this album as well . . . . .while there are some I'm more partial to, I don't think there is a "weak" song on this disc. . . .



once again, if you know Eric Bibb, you don't need me to tell you to check this record out, cause I know you gonna. . . . .and I reckon you are gonna be real glad you did . . . .



some might say that Eric Bibb's physical voice is not spectacular. . . . . but my response to that is it is way good enough for me . . . . and, his singing voice combined with the simplicity and heartfelt-ness of his writing make for an often heady mix. . . . .



he is clearly deeply rooted in his musical traditions. . . . . and one of the beauties of his music is how he works within the tradition to bring forth a living music of this moment . . ..sorta like an artist as craftsman, adding often subtle touches of beauty and modern insight to the work of his predecessors . . . .. and along the way, his blues become both touching and uplifting, and his love songs real and joyful in the moment, and his gospel way beyond the confines of christianity. . . .



I don't know if this record is "better" than Eric's last two, but I do know that for me the opportunity of being able to listen to the unfolding of his music the last few years is a beautiful (and inspiring) thing. . . . .knowing that the range of music I get exposed to is really limited, and realizing that the following is a serious (and rather lame, and simplistic) over generalization, still, I will say that usually I find that if it is funky it ain't got Truth , and if it has Truth, it ain't funky . . . . . to my ear (and mind and heart), Eric Bibb's recent music both speaks truth and plays funky . . . . . . and "Get on Board" does this in spades . . . . . I don't know about you, but there ain't much more I can ask for than that . . . .







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Erick Bibb has got my attention

B. A. Patterson | Des Moines IA | 05/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just recently have been turned on to Eric. It is a quality of Blues done by the old guys. It's pure. In his blues he speaks to us all about our priorities and how it could be so much better if we would let God in our life. He doesn't beat you over the head with it. But it is spiritual and freedom motivated.



Bapp3rd"

YOU 'DON'T NEED NO TICKET TO RIDE' THIS TRAIN

Colin Spence | Formby, UK | 05/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I like popular music, particularly roots music, which combines different genres. In essence, 'Get On Board' is a mix of blues, country blues and gospel - but there are jazz and folk elements also.



Although Eric Bibb's voice is not especially powerful, it has a textured warmth and he sings with something of a 'gentle authority'. His songs have fine lyrics and subtle melodies and with many, the message is 'Love, Peace and Harmony' (to slightly paraphrase another reviewer) - and, with his disarming and unaffected style, EB delivers this without ramming it down your throat. However, some words of warning - much of the music is laid back; in fact, on a few tracks, if EB and his crew were any more laid back, they'd be horizontal. The supporting cast of session players and vocalists display an uncanny empathy with EB's music and they provide an understated, yet rich, musical backdrop behind his vocals. Full marks also to Glen Scott for his immaculate production and mixing.





I liked all of the songs (all are written or co-written by EB, except 'Stayed On Freedom' which is a 'trad. arr.') - some brief comments about a selection :



THE PROMISED LAND - With its edgy slide guitar and gospel groove, a mid-tempo song destined to ensure 'standing room only' in many a small country church.



NEW BEALE STREET BLUES - A song featuring syncopated jazz rhythms and a short 12-string guitar solo. Also, the muted harmonica playing, during the first 2 minutes, is a real treat. 'God's Kingdom' has a similar vibe (but rhythmically, is slightly different).



GET ONBOARD - A more up tempo song with enough hooks to make it a candidate for release as a single.



IF OUR HEARTS AIN'T IN IT - A slow tempo soulful song; it features Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar (including a short solo).



CONVERSATION - A slow blues number and a duet with Ruthie Foster. Up until now, I'd only heard her as a backing vocalist, but here she takes the lead vocals - she has a really strong, soulful voice. Additionally, the Stockholm session players provide some wonderfully smooth horn accompaniment.



STEP BY STEP - A slow tempo gospel flavoured song which features some shimmering lap steel guitar playing.





Although far from being regular 'pop' music, many songs have a certain 'pop' sensibility, and this should make 'Get On Board' accessible for a fairly wide audience (even if gospel/blues music is not 'up your street') - but, alas, I somehow feel that EB's music will not reach this wider audience. He is an artist who feels very comfortable with what he does, he doesn't need to 'try too hard' - his music just has a natural spontaneity.



'Get On Board' is a main dish of gospel infused blues/country blues - dressed with 'smoky-smooth' vocals and served up with a few morsels of edge, some dollops of groove and a generous helping of soul; a highly enjoyable album - 4.5 stars.











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