Bibb, Milteau pay tribute to Lead Belly

Eric Bibb and JJ Milteau have teamed up for Lead Belly’s Gold, a live album that pays tribute to the blues pioneer.

The 16-track title is launched on October 2 via Dixiefrog and sees the duo delivering a set of Lead Belly classics along with a handful of their own compositions.

One of their aims is to demonstrate how many of the icon’s themes remain valid in the modern world.

Dixiefrog say: “It’s no accident this recording kicks off with Grey Goose, a poetic depiction of social ostracism that finds an echo today with the African and Middle-Eastern migrants who cross the Mediterranean by the thousands on makeshift rafts.

“The same could be said of the prison song Midnight Special, still valid today when African-American males make up 40% of inmates in the US, while they represent a mere 13% of the American population. Titanic and its clear reference to racism rings appallingly true in the wake of Charleston and Ferguson.

“The most topical song might well be Bourgeois Blues, an open denunciation of the colour caste system that prevailed when Lead Belly recorded it in 1938. It proves that the presence of a black president in the White House hasn’t turned the tables in a world of discrimination.”

But Bibb and Milteau aim to deliver a positive message of “peace, hope, tolerance and non-violence.” Dixiefrog add: “Their rare musical understanding makes Lead Belly’s Gold one of the most exciting recordings of their respective careers.”

Tracklist

  1. Grey Goose
  2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – When That Train Comes Along
  3. On A Monday
  4. The House Of The Rising Sun
  5. Midnight Special
  6. Bring A Little Water, Sylvie
  7. Where Did You Sleep Last Night
  8. When I Get To Dallas
  9. Pick A Bale Of Cotton
  10. Good Night, Irene
  11. Rock Island Line
  12. Bourgeois Blues
  13. Chauffeur Blues
  14. Stewball
  15. Titanic
  16. Swimmin’ In A River Of Song
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.