THE LINEUP
The month’s best guitar music – ahand-picked selection of the finest fretwork on wax
Eric Bibb Ridin’
Report Records (available now)
9/10
A strong narrative for Grammy-nominated bluesman’s masterful release
Eric Bibb often deals with social commentary and his new album, Ridin’, is a case in point. He draws inspiration from an old oil painting by artist Eastman Johnson called ‘A Ride For Liberty’ (1862) that depicts an African American family fleeing enslavement during the American Civil War.“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,” Eric tells us, emphasising the core message that runs throughout the album.
With rich and poignant storytelling, Eric is a masterful lyricist who makes the blues sound fresh and vibrant. With 15 tracks on offer and a colourful array of guest musicians – jazz guitarist Russell Malone features on two, Taj Mahal on one – Eric has never sounded better. The Ballad Of JohnHoward Griffin features jazz-meets-blues acoustic rhythm picking and tasteful electric bending phrases from Malone, while the deep groove of Blues Funky Like Dat is sure to make your feet stomp and head bob. On the country blues of Call Me By My Name, vocal trade-offs between Eric and Harrison Kennedy feature, and on the first single from the album, Family, you’ll find a funky drum swagger alongside interplay between Eric and the female backing vocalists. Hold TheLine is a minor key emotive song, complete with Malone’s super tasty third infused phrasing. As for the title track, Eric’s blues mojo is deep with sublime, honey-sweet vocals. Rootsy groove-blues has never been better. [JS]
Standout track: Call Me By My Name
For fans of: Keb’Mo’,Taj Mahal
Graham Nash Now
BMG (release date: 19 May)
9/10
CSN&Y veteran’s first solo album in seven years
Graham Nash’s voice will always stir up reminiscences of his fame with both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Indeed, any solo effort that enters the public domain is somehow hallmarked by his previous achievements and so it’s difficult to detach his contemporary image from the past. But fans of his rich legacy won’t be disappointed with his latest release, Now. Songs such as Stars AndStripes and In ADreamreflect Nash’s finest work with superb arrangements and, well, that voice. It’s not all ballads, though – there are rockers, including Stand Up, that evoke some of CSN&Y’s more up-tempo moments. But it’s the love songs like Follow Your Heart that really stir the emotions in the way that only a master songwriter can. Simply wonderful. [DM]
Standout track: Follow Your Heart
