Untitled Document

Recorded at The Basement Club, Sydney, Australia, this DVD is an essential item for Eric Bibb Fans and also acoustic blues fans. The photography is superb from the multi-point cameras, the clarity is perfect. Modern live recordings seem to be this way. This concert was also a “Webcast” and was performed on the 21 st March 2002.The recording is also quite intimate in the surroundings of the Basement Club.

The footstomping and highly rhythmic GOOD STUFF sees Eric Bibb give his enthusiastic all to begin the concert. Very enjoyable it is too. Ably assisted by Bassist Dave Bronze, Eric seems to really enjoy his work.

With a Capo affixed to the F-sharp position, Eric shows his finger-picking mastery of the guitar whilst singing the slower tempo SHINGLE BY SHINGLE. Dave Bronze and his 5-string bass fit nicely into this song too. This two-man band is very effective musically. The slower tempo continues with NEEDED TIME. Eric's brilliant phrasing

embellishes his glorious voice. It is a wonderful combination.

Eric gives 110% when he performs; perhaps this is why he is perspiring profusely during the performance of LONESOME VALLEY, a real rhythmic mover. His infectious enthusiasm continues with DON'T EVER LET NOBODY DRAG YOUR SPIRIT DOWN that has a nice theme riff throughout.

The instrumental SEBASTIAN'S TUNE is a jaunty self-written number with such excellent playing, this writer can only feel envious of! Eric is a truly wonderful guitarist as this DVD shows! On the song GOT TO DO BETTER, I found myself wondering just who Eric's superb singing voice reminds me of, but I just can't get to the bottom of it. Eric has an excellent singing voice and it is well shown during this song, another “rhythm-fest” that also features a nice bass line from Dave Bronze.

The be-hatted Eric Bibb treats us to a short story by the name of PANAMA HAT, which features the lyrics about being a patient guy, something he reckons the ladies appreciate! Eric has a nice rapport with the audience and adds the odd anecdote to the show.

Another Eric Bibb composition with a continuous guitar

theme riff is TO KNOW YOU IS TO LOVE YOU. A slow song with Dave Bronze electing to play his bass Jeff Healey style , i.e. laid across his lap, it's another fine song on this well-balanced repertoire. Still in the slow tempo style the traditional arrangement of NO MORE CANE ON THE BRAZZOS, has the Eric Bibb treatment breathed on it and is very easy going but very well played.

The eleventh song of this excellent concert is RIGHT ON TIME, an upbeat number which is followed by the slower FOR YOU, another slower but enjoyable number with cascading guitar notes and Eric's wonderful voice telling the story of love.

All the songs in this concert have seen Eric and Dave sat playing their guitars but when IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE begins, Eric has to stand up to deliver the rockier styled song. This is very upbeat by comparison to the rest of the repertoire and is very enjoyable indeed. With the tried and tested formula of Eric's meaningful voice coupled to his highly rhythmic guitar playing make this number a joy to listen to. Of course the excellent bass playing of Dave Bronze should not be understated.

The Encore of The Reverend Gary Davis song I HEARD THE ANGELS SINGING starts with some authentic “plantation blues” style guitar, then settles down with Eric giving 110% as usual. This takes the concert to an excellent finale.

What a superb performer Eric Bibb is. He thoroughly deserves the accolades bestowed upon him and viewers of this DVD will agree I'm sure. If you've ever been to a Bibb concert and wished you could see it again, then this DVD is for you. Play it over and over again, that's the beauty of DVD's (or video of course). This DVD is extremely well produced with superb sound and vision. There is also some bonus footage, a “norm” these days on DVD's. This is a high quality product and one I can confidently endorse.