Thursday 8 September 2011

REVIEW: Eric Bibb at the Haven's Phoenix Theatre - Wednesday, September 7/11


Eric Bibb's concert at the Haven's Phoenix auditorium was a genuine treat for both the ears and the spirit. Son of actor/singer Leon Bibb, Eric Bibb is steeped in his father's New York Greenwich Village sensibilities of the 50's and 60's. He cites the blues as a major influence and, in fact, much of his original and cover material is blues in nature.

The show, a CD release celebration of Mr. Bibb's new recording "THE HAVEN," was also partly the culmination of a workshop which lasted for several days prior to the concert. The workshop, held at the Haven and mentored by Mr. Bibb, was entitled "Spirit In The Song." The title aptly describes this man's work. The performance, indeed his whole stage presence, is infused with a sense of sober joy and of emotional and spiritual collectivity. It is abundantly clear Eric Bibb is there to let his light shine. A song about being connected to all things inspired a spontaneous standing ovation mid-way through the show. Joy spread from the stage to the audience as he traded licks with pianist Bill Sample's lyrical playing. During one introduction, Mr. Bibb referred to music as medicine, and indeed last night's concert was a melodic, healing kind of elixir.

As a writer Eric Bibb is conversational rather than metaphorical. He states plainly the message he wishes to deliver: "Give me the pieces of your heart that are broken and I'll mend it for you." Not flowery, not cerebral, but clear, and to the point, delivered with a heart-felt sincerity which cannot be denied.

Adding to the beauty of the show was the quality of the sound. Impeccably mixed by Graemme Browne, a full-frequency sound scape was created adding richness to the performance and to the audience experience.

To close the show, Mr. Bibb introduced the members who had participated in his workshop: Alyssa Wright (who at one time recorded and toured as cellist with this writer), Don Bray, Ahmad Baabahar, Louise Gallagher, Sylvia Edlund and Cameron Dennison. Dennison and Bray discovered during the course of the workshop that they were actually related and shared a grandfather. Dennison had been adopted, and, in celebration of their discovery, the two performed a song in the concert together. Then the whole troupe, including Eric Bibb's wife Sari, performed a song they had all written together that week in the workshop, "Come On Home."

Indeed that invitation had been extended throughout the night.

Tim Harrison

For more information on Eric Bibb visit www.ericbibb.com

For more information on the Haven and its programmes visit www.haven.ca