Eric Bibb

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This slow-burn singer and guitar player was born in New York City and raised in a household that was rich in music. His dad, Leon Bibb, also a singer, was deep into the 1960s New York folk scene, and hosted a variety television show on NBC New York. Eric's godfather was Paul Robeson. He first picked up a guitar at seven, and as a kid he made his way down to Greenwich Village every chance he got to see heroes like Richie Havens, Odetta, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Joni Mitchell. In 1969, fresh out of the High School for Music and Art, Bibb headed to Europe; he's lived in Sweden for much of his adult life, but really the world is his home. A hypnotic solo performer, Bibb tours constantly — he fits in easily at jazz, blues, folk, and world music festivals, and heaven knows there are plenty of those around to keep him busy.

Bibb's 2000 album Home to Me (EarthBeat! Records) shows the breadth of his playing and writing: some straight-ahead blues, some more folk-pop approaches, and a rollicking paean to Nelson Mandela. Me, I like the stripped-down stuff best, though Sam Cooke's classic "Bring It On Home to Me" gets a sweet treatment from Bibb and an ace band that leaves plenty of space for the song.