"Happily, there is good and great music in every era. However, today's popular music often seems less heartfelt than the music I grew up listening to. I pray that the current younger generation will nurture the best of human culture, contribute to it and take us closer to a world of peace and harmony."

Eric Bibb: Blues Storyteller & Philosopher 

Stony Plain Records will be released the new album of Blues/Roots music legend Eric Bibb, “In The Real World”, on October 18th. In The Real World from blues troubadour Eric Bibb, following his Grammy-nominated 2023 studio release, Ridin’ and Live at The Scala Theatre album, released earlier this year. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s iconic Real World Studios and produced, arranged and mixed by Glen Scott, the new disc is a vivid representation of Bibb's musical and personal evolution, offering a glimpse into the world he's experienced and the hope he continues to foster through his music.“There’s a wholeness about In The Real World that deeply moves me,” Bibb reflects. “It feels like Glen Scott and I have reached a milestone on our collaborative journey. Musically, the album feels like a self-portrait because it truly represents my influences.” Recording at Real World Studios provided the perfect backdrop for this deeply introspective album. Grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on current world events and his own lived experiences, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting, inspirational and relevant.

(Eric Bibb / Photo © by Jan Malmstrom)

Born into a lineage of activism, Eric's father, the late Leon Bibb, was a key figure in the civil rights movement, marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King. Immersed in the Village folk scene during his youth, Eric found inspiration in the visits of luminaries like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger. Influenced deeply by the sounds of Odetta, Richie Havens, and Taj Mahal, he synthesized these elements into a style uniquely his own. Eric Bibb is more than a blues troubadour – he is a storyteller and philosopher. His legacy is not just in the notes he plays or the stages he graces but in the questions he poses and the hope he instills. Grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on current world events and his own lived experiences, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting, inspirational and relevant.

Interview by Michael Limnios          Special Thanks: Eric Bibb & Mark Pucci Media

How has the Blues and Folk music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Good question. Blues in particular and American folk music in general, all of which can be called Americana, was introduced to me by my parents along with their colleagues and friends. Folks who leaned left and supported movements for social justice and peace accordingly, their world view became mine through osmosis. 

Where does your creative drive come from? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

The creative drive is something within us all to one degree or another. Growing up, my passion for music was encouraged, so my drive for creating music was nurtured in a big way. Being surrounded by creative people, as I was, was so inspiring. To be able to inspire others with my songs is a blessing. As an artist, leaving an audience uplifted, energized and hopeful is as good as it gets.

What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your art? What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?                                               (Eric Bibb / Photo © by Jan Malmstrom)

The driving force you ask about, is my deep love of the traditions that have shaped me as a musician. Diving deeper into this tradition through listening to and absorbing the oldest recordings available, is a spiritual practice which I highly recommend.

For me, any authentic music-making is relevant. What I mean by authentic is, is being one’s true self.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Through my father, Leon Bibb, I met many iconic musicians. All of these meetings were important for me as a young aspiring musician. Many people have given me good advice, including a young Bob Dylan, who told me to: ”Keep it simple, forget all that fancy stuff.”  My mother, also gave me some great advice when hearing me sing and play songs from my father’s repertoire. She said: ”That’s good, however, it’s important to find your own songs.”

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

I would, once and for all, fairly compensate musicians and composers for their work.

Currently you’ve one more release with Stony Plain Records. Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “In The Real World” (2024)? 

Recording at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, was an intensely satisfying experience. The head engineer, Katie May, is someone that I and my producer Glen Scott enjoyed working with immensely. There was a wonderful flow to our sessions there and the entire staff was terrific. Playing with Robbie McIntosh was a joy. 

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

All of life is music. I love to read and the world of books is a great source of inspiration to me as a songwriter. I also enjoy painting and woodworking.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

Let’s go to San Antonio, Texas, November 23rd 1936 - to room 414 at the Gunter Hotel. That was where and when Robert Johnson’s first recording session took place.

"For one thing, on gig and recording days, I make sure I do yoga for about an hour. The difference between a yoga day and a non yoga day is palpable. Yoga gives me an extra gear and a heightened sense of self-confidence. I also try to not eat before performing. I sing better when I’m hungry!" (Eric Bibb at Stockholm’s Scala Theatre in 2023, Sweden / Photo © by Leo Ahmed)

Do you have any interesting stories from your live recording at Stockholm’s Scala Theater?

The band we (me and my producer, Glen Scott) put together combined musicians I’ve known for quite a while with new acquaintances. One of the most exciting parts of the show, was performing a few songs backed by a wonderful string quartet. It felt like we were all breathing together and the music almost felt like it was coming from another dimension.

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

For one thing, on gig and recording days, I make sure I do yoga for about an hour. The difference between a yoga day and a non yoga day is palpable. Yoga gives me an extra gear and a heightened sense of self-confidence. I also try to not eat before performing. I sing better when I’m hungry!

Why do you think that the Blues & Folk music continues to generate such a devoted following in Europe?

In a world where we seem to be gravitating towards the artificial and away from our connection to the natural world, people everywhere are longing for music and art rooted in tradition - because it’s more nutritious for the soul.

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? Why is it important to we preserve and spread Folk and Blues?

If I had to choose, I would go for more soul and less technique instead of the opposite. I’d rather be moved than dazzled. 

Folk music in general and Blues in particular connect us to our history. This connection gives us strength to move forward.                        (Eric Bibb / Photo © by Jesper Wilkstrom)

Over the years, my singing voice has found its way home. Finding one’s authentic voice is, for many singers, a process that can take years. As I see it, it’s all about being comfortable, not putting on airs and not straining. Think of Ray Charles or Nat King Cole! Aside from putting in the playing time, I feel I’ve grown as a performer by realising that it’s not about trying to impress an audience, but communicating in a way that draws them into the music. For me, it’s about being part of a tradition and being grateful for that blessing. What’s been a constant on my journey is my love for music and songwriting."

Do you think there is an audience for Roots music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Certainly!

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

Over the years, my singing voice has found its way home. Finding one’s authentic voice is, for many singers, a process that can take years. As I see it, it’s all about being comfortable, not putting on airs and not straining. Think of Ray Charles or Nat King Cole! Aside from putting in the playing time, I feel I’ve grown as a performer by realising that it’s not about trying to impress an audience, but communicating in a way that draws them into the music. For me, it’s about being part of a tradition and being grateful for that blessing. What’s been a constant on my journey is my love for music and songwriting.

What characterize your previous studio album Ridin' (2023) music philosophy and songbook? 

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 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 labor of love. We hope you’ll enjoy the journey.

"Blues in particular and American folk music in general, all of which can be called Americana, was introduced to me by my parents along with their colleagues and friends. Folks who leaned left and supported movements for social justice and peace accordingly, their world view became mine through osmosis." (Eric Bibb / Photo © by Jan Malmstrom)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Happily, there is good and great music in every era. However, today's popular music often seems less heartfelt than the music I grew up listening to. I pray that the current younger generation will nurture the best of human culture, contribute to it and take us closer to a world of peace and harmony.

Are there any memories from the late Leon Bibb, and the Greenwich Village folk scene which you’d like to share with us?

There are so many! Here's one: I'm with my Dad at some benefit concert in a Greenwich Village club and my Dad looks up and says: "There's Woody! Would you like to meet him?" And so it was, at age fifteen, I shook the hand of Woody Guthrie.

What is the impact of Blues and Folk music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Authentic blues music encourages listeners to keep it real and tell it like it is.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The value of being kind and non-judgemental.

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?

For me, loving music and making music amplifies my appreciation of the Wonder Of It All. Music is a way of knowing the Divine.

Eric Bibb - Home

(Eric Bibb / Photo © by Jan Malmstrom)