Eric Bibb – In the Real World
Stony Plain Records SPCD1488
15 songs – 56 minutes
Acoustic master Eric Bibb earned another Grammy nomination for his stellar 2023 Ridin’ CD, and he delivers another sonic stroke of genius with this masterwork. It’s a deeply moving effort that hits you like a velvet hammer – gently but with the force of a hurricane – as the troubadour deftly explores his life experience to describe where he’s been and where he’s headed while outlining his hopes and dreams for all mankind. In many ways, it’s a below-the-skin self-portrait.
Produced, arranged and mixed by multi-instrumentalist Glen Scott at Real World and Repute Records Studios in England and LittleBIG Sound in Nashville for Repute Records and distributed worldwide by Stony Plain under an exclusive licensing agreement, the album has been released in two formats: a 15-tune CD and a 12-tune LP, which comes with a download card for links to the missing music. And every note, every phrase and every syllable is packed to the brim with powerful emotions and subtle observations.
Glen contributes percussion, bass, electric guitar, mandolin, organ and backing vocals while keeping Eric’s acoustic axe and voice high in the mix throughout. But this is far more than a duo effort. They’re joined by Robbie McIntosh and Chuck Anthony on guitars, Esbjorn Hazelius on fiddle and cittern, David Davidson and David Angell on violin and Carole Rabinowitz on cello.
Rounding out the lineup are Michael Jerome Browne and Greger Andersson on harp and Paul Robinson on drums with Sara Bergkvist Scott, Johnathon L. Mongi, Emmanuel Enwokeforo, Agnese Stengrevics, Chris McGreevy, Emilia Franklin, Shaneeka Simon, Sepideh Vaziri, Arezo Vaziri on backing vocals. And Lily James makes a guest appearance as the lead vocalist on the closing number.
“Take the Stage” opens the action and finds Bibb looking out at the world on a new day, with a new view. He announces to anyone in earshot that he’s heading home while looking back on an old world that’s crumbling with age and burning with rage and a new world – hopefully healed by love –waiting in the wings. The message continues in “Walk Steady On,” which advises “walk in a godful way – walk straight on.” The feel changes slightly with “Everybody’s Got a Right,” which speaks out about acceptance in whatever form it may take.
Eric insists he’s doing the “Best I Can” in overcoming the chains of slavery while speaking out about injustice in whatever form it takes while giving thanks for the strength that enables him to take a stand. The theme flows steadily through “Make a Change” and the uplifting “This River (Chains & Free)” before the mood changes with “Stealin’ Home.” It celebrates Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson, who swiped the plate against the Yankees in game three of the World Series and faced down racist stares. “I nearly lost my mind,” Bibb sings, “when the ump called him safe. He was like Daniel in the lion’s den…takin’ on the system with the courage of ten men.”
The mood brightens with “If There’s Any Rule,” which speaks out about the need to love one another in a world torn with strife. It gives way to the funky “King of the Castle,” which addresses the suffering of the homeless, many of whom are thrown into the streets because of forces beyond their control…the loss of a job because of the pandemic and much, much more. The mood turns somber again with “Neshoba County,” which recounts the slaying of civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman in Mississippi in 1964, before “Dear Mavis” serves up an aural letter and words of thanks to Mavis Staples for the music that’s healed Eric’s soul.
“Roll on Buddy” delivers a little encouragement to folks trying to overcome roadblocks hindering them from reaching their goals before the sweet “Judgement Day” yearns for the ability to speak out to all the war-makers in the world to remind them of the price they’ll pay. In “The Real World,” Bibb insists, music always fills the air and all is fair – something that contrasts gravely with current events. The disc closes with the duet, “Victory Voices,” which celebrates all the peaceful, loving people Eric’s met along the way.
Feeling blue? Join Eric Bibb on his musical journey. This masterpiece will raise your spirits in ways you can’t imagine!
