Just when this old world is pulling us down, we go get our hearts tuned by the blues doctor.
In the captivating realm of London’s Kings Place, we had the privilege of witnessing a mesmerizing performance by two renowned blues-men, Michael Jerome Browne and Eric Bibb.
Michael Jerome Browne is first on stage, the renowned and respected country blues guitarist gently opening the evening with, introduced in his unassuming way, “a few tunes.” Michael sings the dusty blues in his steadfastly authentic way, transporting us to a front porch in some distant Appalachian town.
Browne simply feels the blues"
Thinking how to describe his sound and the way he plays, Browne simply feels the blues. It’s in his soul; simple, classic, captivating, charming. His sound and playing style are deeply rooted in his soul, delivering a simple, classic, captivating, and charming experience the audience. With his mastery of various string instruments such as the six-string and twelve-string guitar, as well as a banjo crafted from a gourd and some cherished vintage guitars, Browne takes us on a musical journey through the blues of the 1920s and 1930s.
When he performs, Browne’s love for these timeless pieces shines through, and his musical brilliance pays homage to the history and original performers in the most heartfelt and sincere way. Through his interpretation and delivery, he invites us to connect with the stories and songs of the past, evoking a sense of touch, peace, and contemplation within us. In the hands of Michael Jerome Browne, the blues becomes more than just a genre—it becomes a vessel for emotional expression, a conduit for shared experiences, and a reminder of the enduring power of music.
After a brief intermission and pause for thought, the lights dim and the chatter subsides. The stage was graced by Eric Bibb‘s presence. With his dry wit and charm and wearing his trademark hat, a sharp grey suit, one tan shoe and the other turquoise, Bibb playfully engaged the audience, setting the stage for a long-awaited and enchanting voyage into the depths of blues history and its roots.
Bibb’s profound connection to his roots is a testament to his unwavering dedication in preserving and honouring the cultural heritage of the African American experience. Through his masterful artistry, he skilfully weaves soulful melodies and poetic storytelling, transporting us to a bygone era where the echoes of struggle and triumph resounded through generations. Immersed in the rich tapestry of his compositions, every note and lyric meticulously crafted, we felt a deep sense of connection with the past.
Hidden stories hold the key to a better future.”
Throughout his performance, Bibb’s dry humour served as a delightful companion, offering moments of levity amidst the weightiness of the subject matter. It seemed as though he possessed an innate understanding of precisely when to alleviate the tension, allowing us to reflect and appreciate the complexities of the human experience. With his understated charm, he effortlessly guided us through a range of emotions, capturing the pain, hope, and resilience interwoven into the very fabric of those roots.
Beyond its historical context, Bibb’s music resonated with contemporary socio-political issues, offering a subtle yet profound commentary on the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It served as a gentle reminder that music possesses the power to ignite conversations and inspire change, urging us to consider the compelling need for unity, justice, and equality in our world today.
This blues performance at Kings Place was truly a breath of fresh air, effortlessly transporting us to a time when history and music were inseparable. With authenticity and genuine artistry, Bibb reminded us of the profound impact storytelling holds within music, leaving us with an indelible sense of connection to our shared humanity. It was a thought-provoking and enriching experience that underscored the profound influence music has on our understanding of the world.
Bibb’s big, rich, lush voice with its slightly husky and deeply mellow edge serenades us through a spell-binding story of an evening. He is accompanied by Paul Robinson on drums, Michael Jerome Brown on guitar, Glenn Scott on keys and backing vocals, and for a couple of numbers, his wife, Ulrika Bibb. The sound is beautifully balanced and exquisitely tight; the three guitars blending harmonically, the gentlest of brushes on the drums and the fleeting caress of fingers over the piano keys accompanying Bibb’s perfectly. He tells us he was “born to sing the blues…”
Bibb communicates just how vital his music is to him, telling us: “Songs are like memos to myself- like my higher self, telling me what I should be doing.” He tells us of his joy in being able to give a voice to those who did not have one.
As we departed from the venue, the melodies lingered in our minds, and the subtle humour genuinely left smiles on our faces. Eric Bibb had not only entertained us with his masterful musicianship but had also taken us on a transformative journey, inviting us to reflect upon the roots and enduring power of music; as he tells us, “Hidden stories hold the key to a better future.”
ERIC BIBB played @ KINGS PLACE, LONDON 12.05.23
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