The Voice Of Blues: Eric Bibb Ridin’
Inspired Songs of African American History
Two-time Grammy Award nominee, Eric Bibb’s will come ridin’ into Byron Theatre February 26th. As part of the world-renowned blues musician's 2 month Australian tour, he will perform the classics he is known and loved for, whilst introducing brand new material. Recently releasing track Family from his much-anticipated forthcoming album, titled Ridin’. Ridin’ follows on from the multi-award winning album Dear America; a wonderful continuation of the vision that informs Bibb’s artistry as a modern-day bluesman. Bibb is the ultimate ‘blues brother’, grounded in the folk/blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities.
A fiery singer with true soul, his career spans five decades and almost 40 albums. Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on current world events and his own experiences, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting, inspirational and relevant. He is known and revered globally for having carved his own musical destiny with honesty and power. An Eric Bibb show always promises a remarkable experience — not one to be missed!
The ethos for ‘Ridin” was hugely inspired by the oil painting by Eastman Johnson, A Ride For Liberty (1862) that depicts an African American family fleeing enslavement in the southern USA during the American Civil War. In Eric’s own words: “Johnson’s painting embodies all the hope, determination and courage that is at the core of the African American experience and needed now throughout the world.”
“As a songwriter, studying African American history has always been a deep well of inspiration. The true stories of my ancestors and their communities are at the heart of many of the songs on my new album – Ridin’. Together with co-writer/producer Glen Scott we’ve created a concept album focusing on the ongoing task of understanding systemic racism and purging it from our world. For all its seriousness, Ridin’ is a funky, groovy, hopeful collection of songs that feature stellar guest appearances by Taj Mahal, Jontavious Willis, Russell Malone and Habib Koité. At a time when popular political movements are attempting to delete truth from the historical record, I feel called upon to sing songs that contribute to greater understanding and much-needed unity. The making of Ridin’ has been a labour of love. We hope you’ll enjoy the journey.” - Eric Bibb
For all its seriousness, Ridin’ is a funky, groovy, hopeful collection of songs that feature stellar guest appearances by Taj Mahal, Jontavious Willis, Russell Malone and Habib Koité. At a time when popular political movements are attempting to delete truth from the historical record, I feel called upon to sing songs that contribute to greater understanding and much-needed unity. The making of Ridin’ has been a labour of love. We hope you’ll enjoy the journey.” - Eric Bibb ‘Bibb possesses one of the most resonant voices in popular music’ - Sunday Times
‘Bibb possesses one of the most resonant voices in popular music’ - Sunday Times
‘One of the finest American exponents of acoustic blues, an engaging performer and rousing guitarist who is blessed with a quite remarkable voice’ - Guardian
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