Eric Bibb – A Ship Called Love

Roots and R&B make for smooth sailing on around-the-world album

New York-born acoustic guitarist Eric Bibb—known for making contemporary blues accessible for European audiences—takes a different tack on this, his 11th recording in eight years. Ship is dedicated to the late Curtis Mayfield, Chicago soulster extraordinaire, and Bibb makes the most of his devotion, mimicking Mayfield’s fiery masterpiece “People Get Ready” on the title track before charting a course for the Caribbean with the reggae-informed “Turning World.” He then travels South for the gospel-tinged “Praise’n’Thanksgiving” and “Troubadour.” Although Bibb makes for a commanding presence on these solid, rootsy numbers, rougher seas might’ve made for a more interesting album.