Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
“Tomorrow, we aim for the Scala”, a cry to the theatrical and performance inclined that sets the senses alight in anticipation of a good time, of feeling the enormity of success as the lights on stage reveal living sentiment and a pulse of the heart that stands for all time.
Its name is synonymous with entertainment no matter the city of residence, its history interweaved with its locality, and the names, the souls that have watched the curtain rise on either side of the stage’s divide, the tales they could impart…to be in that company is a thrill, is a setting that frames life in all its complexity, it enjoyment, its truth, and for the legendary Eric Bibb Stockholm’s theatre of choice is one where memory is cemented, and the music captured for the Live At The Scala Theatre album.
Recorded in 2022, Eric Bibb’s assurance comes with his time as one of the leading performers, the craft, the build-up of the drama of the sound, all framed by one undeniable live vocal memoir of some of his greatest music and achievements, the audience in which are treated to a groove of beauty.
No matter the city, the Scala name carries weight, it adds to the depth of the listener’s experience, and as tracks and chronicles of notes join in a blaze of glory and intuitive illumination, such as Silver Spoon, the tender heart bleeding of Bring Me A Little Water, Sylvie, the damning of abuse of power and the damage wrought by racism in Rosewood, 500 Miles, and Mole In The Ground, the wonder of Eric Bibb holds the world on his shoulders like Atlas, but unlike the myth, he is absolute and his music will be eternally viewed without hardship nor difficulty of understanding.
The emotion is all powerful, the sentiment is affluent, it is prosperous, it is a truth of performance that bows to the appreciation of the listener and those who were fortunate enough to see the curtain rise, who came out of the Stockholm night and congregated as if they had received an invitation to witness the theatre of dreams in full flow.
A wonderful reminder of the huge talent that Eric Bibb is, and live he is more than impressive, he is a star.
Eric Bibb releases Live At The Scala Theatre on April 5th via Stony Plain Records.
Ian D. Hall