Some songs are immediate and striking in the beauty. ‘500 Miles’ by Eric Bibb is one of those songs. There’s a gorgeous tune and excellent fiddle from Esbjorn Hazeluis but what makes this really stand out is Bibb’s emotional vocal, perfect for the tortured lines he sings about being so far from home. The accompanying video features wonderful landscapes that are suggestive of long, arduous journeys and it’s a well-produced match for this open-hearted song.
‘500 Miles’ is taken from Bibb’s forthcoming album ‘Ridin”, due for release on 24th March 2023, the follow-up to the well-received, award-wining ‘Dear America’. The single is adapted from the traditional folk song ‘900 Miles’ that Bibb’s late father, Leon, used to sing as Eric explains: “My dad recorded a fine version which inspired my rendition. Every time I sing it, I hear his voice. Story-wise, it felt like a natural fit for the ‘Ridin” album.” Producer, Glen Scott adds: “This version is centered around Eric’s 6 string banjo and his wonderfully soulful, captivating vocals. Esbjorn Hazeluis deftly lends his spirit and talents to the song by way of his tremendous fiddle contribution. The rest of the instrumentation was executed by myself with a very supportive but cinematic, soundscape approach in mind.”
The new album was inspired by an Eastman Johnson oil painting, ‘A Ride For Liberty’, in which he depicted an African American family fleeing enslavement and riding towards Union Army lines during the American Civil War. In support of ‘Ridin”, Bibb will be performing throughout the UK and Ireland during May 2023. The album and tour will be early highlights of the year. Enjoy.
