Blues Legand Eric Bibb has announced a new album and an accompanying tour in 2023. Ordinarily Americana UK does not cover Blues, but makes the exception for the exceptional. ‘Ridin’‘ is set for release on March 24th, 2023 on Repute Records and features some high-profile guest appearances. The headline UK tour will follow in May.
The follow-up to his multiple award-winning critically acclaimed 2021 album ‘Dear America‘, Ridin’ is a continuation of the vision that informs Bibb’s artistry as a modern-day Blues troubadour. 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, uplifting, and relevant.
‘Ridin’‘ is produced by Glen Scott and features Habib Koite, Taj Mahal, Steve Jordan, Tommy Sims, Harrison Kennedy, Russell Malone, and Jontavious Willis as well as a host of session musicians and singers from around the globe.
A two-time Grammy Award nominee with multiple Blues Foundation awards, Eric Bibb is recognised globally. Eric’s father, the late Leon Bibb, was an activist, actor, and folk singer who marched at Selma with Dr Martin Luther King. Eric’s youth was spent immersed in the New York Village folk scene. Names like Dylan, Baez, and Seeger were visitors to his home. He was deeply influenced by Odetta, Richie Havens, and Taj Mahal (a guest on the album) and he has synthesized all of that into his very own style.
Of the record, Bibb said: “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.”.
Tracklist:
01 – Family
02 – Ridin’
03 – Blues Funky Like Dat feat. Taj Mahal & Jontavious Willis
04 – The Ballad of John Howard Griffin feat. Russell Malone
05 – 500 Miles
06 – Tulsa Town
07 – Onwards (Interlude)
08 – Hold The Line feat. Russell Malone
09 – I Got My Own feat. Amar Sundy
10 – Call Me By My Name feat. Harrison Kennedy
11 – Joybells
12 – Sinner Man with Eric Bibb String Band (Live at Wheatland Festival)
13 – Free feat. Habib Koité
14 – People You Love
15 – Church Bells (Interlude)
2023 Tour dates:
May 3 – Basingstoke, The Anvil
May 4 – Pontardawe, Arts Centre
May 5 – Birmingham, Town Hall
May 6 – Wimborne, Tivoli Theatre
May 8 – Bury St. Edmunds, The Apex
May 9 – Bexhill on Sea, De la Warr Pavilion
May 11 – London, King’s Place
May 13 – Frome, Cheese & Grain
May 14 – Exeter, Phoenix
May 16 – Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall
May 17 – Glasgow, Saint Lukes
May 19 – Manchester, Stoller Hall
May 20 – Leeds, City Varieties Music Hall
May 22 – Whitley Bay, Playhouse
May 23 – Milton Keynes, The Stables
May 25 – Belfast, Mandela Hall
May 26 – Dublin, Liberty Hall Theatre
May 28 – Limerick, Dolan’s
May 29 – Cork, Cyprus Avenue
