Blues Icon Eric Bibb Discusses His New Album, Meeting Bob Dylan When He Was 11, AI, And More

Celebrated blues musician Eric Bibb releases his latest studio album, entitled One Mississippi, on January 30 via Repute Records. Bibb’s last album, 2023’s Ridin’, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album. It was the blues icon’s third Grammy nomination, having previously received nominations for Shakin’ a Tailfeather in 1997 and Migration Blues in 2017. Bibb has also been nominated for several Blues Music Awards, winning Acoustic Artist of the Year in 2012 and 2013 and Acoustic Album of the Year in 2017 for The Happiest Man in the World.

Bibb was gracious enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions for Total Apex Entertainment. In the interview, he talks about the new album, an encounter with Bob Dylan when he was 11, the current state of the music industry, and several other topics.

Eric Bibb on One Mississippi

What was it like working with Grammy-nominated producer Glen Scott again on One Mississippi?

As always, collaborating with Glen was highly enjoyable—a nuanced and soulful conversation, both musically and spiritually. Having worked together for more than twenty years, with the One Mississippi album, our work process is truly in the flow—sharing an almost telepathic communication. Glen’s expertise as an engineer, together with his immense talents as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer/arranger, make him, for me, the dream producer.

The title track of the new album was co-written by your high school friend Janis Ian. How did you come to settle on that song as the centerpiece of the album?

To begin with, it’s a wonderful song by Janis and co-writer Fred Koller. The southern imagery describing the place known as “the cradle of the blues” is very refined and cinematic. The song paints a picture of a landscape that is often the backdrop of many of the songs I write. This is particularly true of the songs that ended up on One Mississippi. Plus, as a title, it’s catchy!

What did it mean to this album to have Robbie McIntosh (who has worked with greats like Paul McCartney, the Pretenders, and John Mayer) involved in the process?

Not only is Robbie McIntosh a fabulous guitarist when it comes to blues, but he’s a master of the language. His contribution to this collection of songs, rooted in the blues, is invaluable. Plus, he’s a really nice person to be around!

Tell the readers about some of the other talented musicians involved in making One Mississippi.

Early on, I mentioned Glen Scott. Whatever instrument he plays, be it drums, bass, Hammond, or vocals, his brilliance and understanding of the genre are ever-present. Greger Andersson is a superb blues harmonica player who graces many of the tunes. Esbjörn Hazelius, a stellar fiddler, is also a key component of the deeply soulful sound at the core of this album.

You have described this album as “a call for peace, justice, and unity in a divided world.” What kind of role does music play in calming today’s politically-charged global atmosphere?

I think the power of music is immeasurable. As a galvanizing, pacifying, healing force, music is a divine gift that is surely helping us through these challenging times of transition.

The Early Years

How much did growing up around music influence your trajectory in life? Were you always set on making music your career focus, or did you have other ambitions at some point?

From a very early age, music has always been the beacon guiding my life’s journey. I have never seriously considered another calling. I always wanted to be a self-accompanying singer/storyteller. My family background is inseparable from that choice.

When you were 11 years old, you famously had an encounter with Bob Dylan. You told him that you played guitar too, and his advice to you was to “keep it simple.” Looking back on that moment now, do you feel like that was good advice, or did you take it as a challenge to show what you could do? Did that advice play into the album’s first single, “This One Don’t”?

Looking back on that conversation, I’ve come to realize the value of those words. Perhaps not consciously, but on some level, that sincere advice, from a very precocious young Bob Dylan, has guided me.

On Making and Performing Music in Today’s World

You own a lot of unique and vintage guitars. When you are writing and performing, how do you decide which guitar to play to fit the moment? Do you have a favorite?

Often, the guitar I decide to pick up is purely intuitive. The choice seems to be connected with a song that’s waiting to come through. For the most part, the guitar I’m playing as I compose will influence the style and feel of the song, and I’ll stay with that instrument for the recording, as well.

I have many favorites, here’s one: A six-string French banjo from the 1930’s – the kind of instrument that Django Rheinhart started out playing before switching to guitar.

You have received three Grammy nominations and won multiple Blues Music Awards. When an album gets recognized like that, does it make it easier or harder to make that next album? Is there a lot more pressure, or does the recognition relieve all of that?

There are a lot of pressures associated with the music business. However, as a songwriter, I’ve never felt pressured by outside forces. My motivation is the joy of being in creative mode. Recognition in the form of awards can be very encouraging, whether they arrive early on or later in one’s career.

You have performed all over the world. Is there a difference in the way audiences receive the music from country to country and culture to culture? Do you have a favorite city or country to perform in?

I have found that audiences around the world, particularly those enamored of blues music, are very much alike in their enthusiastic response to my concerts. Hard to pick a favorite spot, but Australia is certainly one.

What are your views on the current state of the music industry?

That sounds like a long conversation! In short, I’ll say this: the current fascination with AI and other technologies will hopefully lead to a deeper appreciation of musicians devoted to mastering instruments and composing by being open to divine inspiration. The unquantifiable spiritual nature of music is a beautiful mystery, like life itself. Artificial Intelligence surely has positive applications, but for me, unlocking the secrets of guitar playing is more alluring. On the business side, I look forward to a more equitable sharing of streaming profits. Musicians certainly deserve a bigger slice of the pie than they’re receiving!

What Is Next for Eric Bibb?

One Mississippi comes out on January 30, and then you have tour dates in Europe, Australia, and the U.K. for the next several months. What is the plan for the rest of 2026?

How about some R & R?!!!

Where You Can Follow Eric Bibb

One Mississippi is available for pre-order now. For more information about Bibb, the new album, tour dates, links to his social media accounts, and more, check out his website. You can also check out his music over at his official YouTube channel.