In The Real World is the latest album from blues troubadour Eric Bibb, following his Grammy-nominated 2023 studio release, Ridin’ and Live at The Scala Theatre album, released earlier this year. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s iconic Real World Studios and produced, arranged and mixed by Glen Scott, the new disc is a vivid representation of Bibb's musical and personal evolution, offering a glimpse into the world he's experienced and the hope he continues to foster through his music.

 

“There’s a wholeness about In The Real World that deeply moves me,” Bibb reflects. “It feels like Glen Scott and I have reached a milestone on our collaborative journey. Musically, the album feels like a self-portrait because it truly represents my influences.”

 

With a career spanning five decades, three Grammy nominations, and numerous Blues Foundation awards, Eric Bibb has solidified his legacy as a legendary figure in the blues and roots genre. In The Real World stands as a testament to his evolution as an artist, deeply rooted in the storytelling tradition of the blues; "It really tells me where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m headed,” Bibb explains. “Thematically, it’s about the you-me-we connection. It’s about the world we’ve created for ourselves and the world we long for.”

 

Recording at Real World Studios provided the perfect backdrop for this deeply introspective album. “The sheer natural beauty of the grounds and the caring hospitality of the staff were inspiring, to say the least. We worked with a terrific engineer, Katie May. If I had to describe the sessions in one word, it would be ‘flow’,” Bibb shares. “What’s particularly enjoyable for me, listening to this album, is the prominence of my guitar. Glen Scott’s arrangements and production are a joy to hear. All the musicians involved made great contributions. Robbie McIntosh’s outstanding playing, in particular, is a treat. Every track is a favorite, and the duet with Lily James is a gift to my soul."

 

Eric Bibb’s In The Real World is a continuation of the vision that informs his artistry as a modern-day Blues troubadour. Grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on current world events and his own lived experiences, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting, inspirational and relevant.

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 ℗ © 2024 Repute Records Ltd under exclusive worldwide license to RHM Linus, LLC. Marketed by Stony Plain Records.

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Tracklist:​

01 Take The Stage
02 Walk Steady On
03 Everybody's Got A Right
04 Best I Can
05 Make A Change
06 This River (Chains & Free)
07 Stealin' Home
08 If There's Any Rule
09 King of The Castle
10 Neshoba County
11 Dear Mavis
12 Roll On Buddy
13 Judgement Day
14 The Real World
15 Victory Voices (Feat. Lily James)

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Musician Credits:​

Eric Bibb - Lead Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo Guitar, Nylon String Guitar.

Glen Scott - Drums, Percussion, Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer, Synths, MiniMoog, Rhodes, Mandolin, Banjo, String Arrangement, Programming, Backing Vocals.

Robbie McIntosh - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar, Solo Electric Guitar, Lead Electric Guitar, Solo Slide Guitar.

Chuck Anthony - Solo Electric Guitar, Wah Electric Guitar.

Paul Robinson - Drums.

Esbjörn Hazelius - Fiddle, Cittern.

Lily James - Featuring Vocals.

Shaneeka Simon - Solo Adlib Vocals, Backing Vocals.

Sepideh Vaziri - Backing Vocals, Adlib Solo Vocals.

Arezo Vaziri - Backing Vocals.

Sara Bergkvist Scott - Backing Vocals.

Johnathan L Mongi - Backing Vocals.

Emmanuel Enwokeforo - Backing Vocals.

Emilia Franklin - Backing Vocals.

David Davidson - Violin.

David Angell - Violin.

Monisa Angell - Viola.

Carole Rabinowitz - Cello.

Michael Jerome Browne - Harmonica.

Greger Andersson - Harmonica.

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Album Credits:

Produced, Arranged, Mixed & A&R: Glen Scott

Executive Producer: Jesper Wikström

Engineers: Katie May, Glen Scott

Assistant Engineers: Ben Koch, Faye Dolle

Additional Engineers: Taylor Pollert, Robbie McIntosh, Esbjörn Hazelius, Chris McGreevy

Mastered by: Larry O’Malley - Audiobec Canada

String arrangement & Orchestration: David Davidson (Tracks 4 & 14), Glen Scott (Tracks 2, 6, 8 & 15)

Recording Studios: Real World Studios - Bath, Repute Records Studios - Sweden/London, LittleBIG Sound - Nashville

Studio Coordinator: Lisa Murton - Real World Studios

Artist Management: R.A.M (Repute Artist Management)

Artist PA: Ulrika Bibb

Record Label: Repute Records under exclusive worldwide license to RHM Linus, LLC. Marketed by Stony Plain Records

Label Management: SGO Music

Product Management: Sophia Ongley, Agnese Stengrevics

Artwork Photography: Jan Malmström

Artwork Design: Jan Malmström, Sophia Ongley

Videography: Maynard Wheaton - Kanin Films

Video Editing: Maynard Wheaton, Glen Scott

Lyric Videos: Shaye Smith - customlyricvideos.com

Publishers: IAX Music Publishing Ltd / SGO Music Publishing Ltd, BMG UK Ltd

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