photo by Jan Malmstrom; photo courtesy of Mark Pucci Media
Single Review of Eric Bibb: “Didn’t I Keep Runnin'” (Repute Records)
Eric Bibb is a Grammy award-winning bluesman. “Didn’t I Keep Runnin'” was the third single released in advanced of Bibb’s winter album release, One Mississippi. Musically, the song is catchy, with a deeply engaging rhythmic groove, the uplifting of spring of frequent fiddle work bowing its way through and offering well-placed flourishes, Bibb’s occasionally emphatic banjo playing, and vocal depth lent by a the song’s backup singers. And, of course, Bibb’s vocals, tuneful even when often close to being spoken word.
image courtesy of Mark Pucci Media
Throughout, the song maintains a feeling of being off-balance, with the swift entrance and exit – over and over – of different instruments lending to the unpredictability, while still remaining tuneful and cohesive. All the while, the steady, relentless rhythm carries forward the feeling that there’s a pursuit in progress. And indeed, in the lyrics, there is a chase going on. Bibb summed up the story behind the song in his quote from the song’s press release. Said Bibb about the song, “This song was inspired by an old photograph, depicting a peg-footed banjo player, who was surely a slave who had tried to escape. Runaway slaves who were captured after unsuccessful attempts to flee, were often punished with the amputation of afoot to prevent further flight and to discourage other slaves from trying. As I see it, we’re all still on the road to freedom.” That’s some heavy subject matter for such an enjoyably engaging song.
The musicianship plays a huge role in this song’s appeal, so it’s worth mentioning the performers. On “Didn’t I Keep Runnin’,” Eric Bibb (lead vocals, 6-string banjo) is joined by Robbie McIntosh (slide Angelus guitars), Zosha Warpeha (hardanger fiddle), Glen Scott (drums, percussion, bass, electric guitars, backing vocals, handclaps, string programming, keyboards), and Sara Bergkvist Scott and Shaneeka Simon (backing vocals, handclaps).
I’ve heard some of the other tracks that appear on One Mississippi. Great songs, too, but whew, I was really drawn to “Didn’t I Keep Runnin'” and wanted to give it its own review. (Also, I’ve simply listened to this song so many more times than the others that it’s the only one I can really do justice in a review.) Whatever draws you to this song – and there’s so much to appreciate – I suspect a broad swath of music fans will really enjoy it. And from the brief sampling I’ve done of the rest of the record, if “Didn’t I Keep Runnin'” piques your interest, you may want to check out the full album, where you’re likely to find other new favorites.
