Eric Bibb Plus Special Guest Felicia Neilsen

Sunday 6th May 2018

Savoy Theatre, London, United Kingdom 

Taking the stage solo at first and rolling into the vintage blues Going Down Slow, Bibb is soon joined by a multi-instrumental stringed instrument player, a bassist and a lively drummer, then treating the audience to some hard edged material and some softer sunshine stuff. And all parts in between.

The Savoy is a few yards north of the bank of the River Thames and in the week hosts flashy musicals like Legally Blonde and Funny Girl, for the fur stole contingent . With bar prices to match ! But gentleman Bibb – the epitome of gentle strength – has little trouble turning the auditorium into his back porch. His stage patter is soft and dry, much in the manner of Randy Newman or James Taylor. And man,the colours in the music! Highlights include Silver Spoon, With A Dollar In My Pocket and Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad. A couple of times, as on Refugee Moan performed a capella Bibb is overtly political without being preachy. He is only saying what he believes and the crowd respects that.

Panama Hat swings with an easy charm. Needed Time aches with soul and love. Eric’s guitar playing remains folky and steady, no party tricks or showing off. I Wish I Was A Mole In The Ground brings smiles around the room and Don’t Ever Let Nobody Bring Your Spirit Down has a real Taj Mahal surging bite. The ensemble has a rolling deftness that piles everything on at the right time, but avoids stepping on the vocal. It’s an uplifting performance all round.

Felicia Neilsen had opened the show, playing ancient blues songs with her own guitar accompaniment. Her style is fluid if a tad bookish. Surely her confidence can only grow and Eric’s audience gave her a respectful hearing.

Pete Sargeant