Características
After Eric Bibb left Opus 3 Records in 1997 following the recording of “Good Stuff,” he recorded two studio albums and one live album for other labels. However, he remained on friendly terms with mastermind Jan-Eric Persson. Since Bibb had particularly fond memories of the relaxed working atmosphere during the production of the Swedish label's last two albums (“That's really me!”), preparations for the production of a new album on Opus 3 began at the end of 1999. Only four sessions were needed to record all the material for “Just Like Love.” Jan-Eric Persson says he has rarely experienced such an inspired production. Two songs were actually written the night before the respective recording sessions. “Just Like Love” differs from the more gospel-oriented “Spirit And The Blues” and the classic blues album “Good Stuff.” Eric Bibb focuses here on storytelling and presents an exquisite singer-songwriter album of great intimacy – here is an artist who seems to be at peace with himself and the world! He is accompanied by almost all the musicians from his former band “Needed Time,” most of whom are also known as “Tiny Island” and have released a great instrumental album of the same name on Opus 3. Except for three of his favorite traditional songs, all the other songs on “Just Like Love” were penned by Eric Bibb.
“There are a number of artists who place particular emphasis on the sound quality of their work. Eric Bibb is one of them, as the quality of his releases reaches a level that could tempt you to buy them sight unseen. And musically, everything is once again just right on “Just like Love,” as Bibb remains true to his “blues meets country” style and to producer and sound engineer Jan-Eric Persson—while maintaining his songwriting talent” (Udo Pipper, STEREO 1/2001).
The LP (180-gram vinyl, 33 RPM), which boasts outstanding sound quality, was pressed by Optimal Media. Andreas “Lupo” Lubich (Calyx Mastering, Berlin) is responsible for the lacquer disc cutting.
MUSICIANS
Eric Bibb: guitar, vocalsJanne Petersson: accordion, piano, melodica, kalimba Olle Eriksson: double bassLevi B. Saunders: banjoChrister Lyssarides: mandolin, mandola, guitar Big Walker: harmonicaBo Juhlin: sousaphone
Side A
1. Wrapped Up In Her Arms2. My Charleston Dream3. Dear John 4. Just Like Love5. She's Still With Me6. I Wanna Be Ready7. Katri's Kindness8. Get It While It's Hot9. Home In That Rock
Side B
1. Forever Ago 12. Deep Sea Blues 3. Sail Away Ladies4. All Your Sweatness5. Rock Island Rocket6. Marley's Mood 7. That's Why I'm Here8. Prayin'