Artist: Eric Bibb
Album: Ridin’ (Repute Records)
Eric Bibb has long been one of the most powerful, soulful storytellers in music. But with his new album, Ridin’, he may have made his masterwork. Tracing the difficult paths African-Americans took to escape slavery in the 19th century, the musical canvas he paints on proves large enough to examine what it means to seek freedom, security and dignity in the present day, too. We join Eric to learn more about his captivating songcraft and the strangely beguiling voice of the six-string banjo.
The album initially took its inspiration from a painting, didn’t it?
“Yes, I don’t remember exactly where I first came across it… but Eastman Johnson was a painter who was successful
