Legendary Folk/Blues Singer-Songwriter, Eric Bibb, performed for the PlayNetwork staff, family and friends on Friday afternoon, July 10th. Literally born into the folk and blues tradition, his father, Leon, a trained singer who sang in musical theatre, made a name for himself as part of the 1960’s New York folk scene. His uncle was the world famous jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Family friends included Pete Seeger, Odetta, Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, Eric’s godfather. He grew up in New York, but has spent most of his adult life living overseas, including long stints in Sweden, Paris and currently, Helsinki, Finland. He is truly a citizen of the world and a great ambassador of a powerful blues-folk-gospel tradition. His voice is remarkable, his live performances are inspiring and his songwriting is well-crafted and honest.
He performed a five song set for us and three of the video performnaces are featured here, including:
Pockets, from his current Telarc Release, Get Onboard…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Wg2vd3QD0]
Buy on Amazon.
a song called Connected from his Friends CD, also on Telarc…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwtBqZ1TsB8]
and a rousing version of one his most popular songs, Don’t Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down, which is available on a variety of Eric’s CDs and compilations.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfJfenjBXC0]
Buy on Amazon.
Buy the whole CD on iTunes and Amazon.
Eric Bibb is the real deal, raised in the tradition, with a take on the folk & blues genre that’s original. He has taken what he has learned from his father and his folk and blues heroes to new heights with sophistication, elegance and power. He also made a great personal impression on all of us at the company for his warmth, graciousness and class. For more about Eric Bibb, visit his website: www.ericbibb.com and his myspace site: www.myspace.com/ericbibb
..jeff heiman, VP Licensing & Label Relations
