Robin Bibi

Why it has taken this long for Robin Bibi to sign for a label is a puzzlement to me but after a good few years of self-issued material (not to mention hundreds of gigs to rapturous applause) this is his first album for Ashwood and, in the main, it is the album we’ve all wished for from the British Bluesman.

He is a superb guitarist, very flexible and when he rocks it hits the listeners square between the eyes but when he slows down and gets soulful – as on ‘Packing My Possessions’ – you can’t help but feel the music deep in your heart.

Tony Marten (bass) and Craig Bacon (drums and percussion) show their many years of experience and act as perfect foils for Bibi’s guitar and vocals while the addition of Blackjack Horns really adds a layer of soul to his sound.

‘Fast Lane’s Busy’ is a dynamite track with full horn backing and some stunning guitar but the vocal performance is what really grabs the ear – the man can sing!
That leads into ‘Get In It!!’ which stands up as terrific New Orleans funk with the horns punctuating every line and Bibi’s vocals again showing how strong a singer he is.
The standout track here is ‘(Drowning In) Muddy Waters’; moody and strong vocals coupled with Bibi’s guitar making a dark and intense track. The guitar solo leading up to the fade out left my jaw dropped and wishing it could have carried on.

Bibi is credited with all of the songs on the album and it really shows that he is a capable and varied songwriter.

The album really sits in the classic Blues idiom but talent like this transcends the form and he has made an album that is just damn fine to listen to no matter what the genre.