Review: Eric Bibb

Eric Bibb
(Queen Elizabeth Hall, June 3rd 2011, part of 2011 London Guitar Festival, Review and photo: Roger Thomas)

Legendary Blues troubadour Eric Bibb was the highlight performer at the Southbank yesterday as part of the three day London Guitar Festival. , performing with Swedish guitarist Saffan Astner, Larry Crockett on drums and Trevor Hutchinson on bass.

Eric played many of the songs from past through to his latest album Troubadour Live (Concord) which has, in some way, has already become his signature. Played in true troubadour style the stories, messages and sentiment are cleverly succinct and meaningful–deeply in some cases– such as Connected To You, Pockets, Get On Board, Booker's Guitar, Flood Water, Tell Riley. What was most poignant was his expressive version of Wayfaring Stranger, an 18th century British spiritual/folk song which brought a contemplative hush to the QEH that even caused a delayed reaction while the audience recovered in order to applaud.

By the end of the concert the audience had lost these kind of inhibitions, and demanded an encore, and it needed the turning up the house lights before the hint was taken that it might be time to head home, or to accept Eric Bibb's open invitation to join the band in the foyer bar area.

The London Guitar Festival continues until Sunday. Eric Bibb will be at the Glastonbury Festival.