The blues can come in different guises. A blues musician like seems to want to cast out his inner demons; with other musicians the blues manifests itself as subdued melancholy. Swedish-based American Eric Bibb doesn't fit into either category, but like most contemporary blues musicians, Bibb's music is no longer pure blues. Besides blues Bibb uses folk, soul, reggae and gospel just as easily in
… his music. At a time when Jack Johnson could become a global star, the chances for the laid-back Bibb sounds seem better than ever. It up to Dedicated A Ship Called Love shows a talented and tasteful singer who is in complete harmony with himself. But no matter how pleasant and balanced the songs sound, with the beautiful Faded Jeans as the highlight, after a while you long for some exististential despair to quell the lurking indolence. A little heartbreak would be nice. (MS)more
