Home to Me
The fourth album from modern bluesman Eric Bibb is a get-out-of-bed delight, the kind of record that makes you feel like being productive. As with his previous efforts,Home to Mecontains some strong folk elements, especially on the slower, mellower numbers such as "Singin' in My Heart." The son of folk musician Leon Bibb, the Eric Bibb met and learned from such luminaries asBob DylanandPete Seeger. Though Bibb's career is based in Europe (he lives in Sweden), he has cultivated a growing American following, which is only appropriate, as his music--a flavorful mix of folk, country, and soul over a solid blues base--is very much a U.S. creation. Even "Mandela Is Free," which contains African-style chants and rhythms, is sung over a folk-blues accompaniment--and what could be more uniquely American than fusing disparate musical styles? Full of sunshine and good feeling,Home to Meis a perfect summer release, guaranteed to provide warmth all through the year.--Genevieve Williams