Re: [Harp-L] Bibb & Dermody burn down Tellluride (longish)

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

One of our own Harp-l'ers ripped it up last night at the historic 
Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado.

With little fanfare as far as I can tell, our own Grant Dermody has been 
gigging with the world-class bluesman Eric Bibb. Last night I caught 
their rousing set in Telluride. Eric Bibb is a class act. I had never 
seen him, but it quickly became clear that he is a consummate guitar 
player with all the fingerpicking licks to provide a solid basis for his 
strong, deep vocals in rendering both classics and his own fresh brand 
of blues. His own songs are minted both in the Piedmont, Delta and 
Chicago traditions of his "heroes" and in the newer directions his own 
life experience and the times in which he lives take it.

Bibb played three solo songs and then introduced "one of his favorite 
musicians, Grant Dermody." They finished the set together. It was 
immediately apparent why Eric has added Grant to his act. No doubt the 
fact that Grant is a virtuostic Marine Band player with "tone to the 
bone" was requisite. But Dermody is also, as Bibb noted at the outset, 
an outstanding musician who melds with Eric's guitar and vocal work with 
a mastery that creates the special kind of synergism usually found in 
duos who've performed together far longer than they have. Grant gave a 
Master Class on how to artfully and tastefully back up a singer. The 
overriding impression you are left with as you listen to them play is 
how seamlessly Grant's harp work dovetails with Eric's guitar work and 
vocals. It's a thing of beauty to behold. I was taking notes for sure!

The intimate but enthusiastic crowd was demonstrably appreciative of 
each and every song. What was extra cool to see as one of Grant's 
students was how clear it was that Bibb enjoyed his contribution. 
Throughout the evening, Bibb's wide grin made his approval of Dermody's 
work apparent. Several times Eric goaded Grant on with cheers like 
"Yeah," " Do it!" and "More, man!" and with Grant's ample assistance had 
the crowd cheering and clapping along. ~We~ all know how a great harp 
player can whip an audience into a frenzy and apparently so does Eric 
Bibb. In fact, you could see Eric become visibly excited himself several 
times when Grant was ripping it up. It's fun to watch an act in which 
the players are having as much or more fun than the audience. Last night 
was such a night at the venerable Sheridan Opera House in Telluride. I 
sure dug it!

Incidentally, Eric paid homage to the recently departed great John 
Cephas with a song titled, "Just In Time." Bibb related an occasion when 
Cephas, shortly before his death, waxed about how he had long been 
worried about the future of Piedmont blues but pointed to "youngsters" 
like Eric Bibb who had come along "Just In Time." Bibb penned his song 
"Just In Time" in honor of that occasion. IMHO, the blues are in good 
hands with Eric Bibb. And Grant Dermody. And not a moment too soon.

Hmm. Bibb & Dermody. Kind of a nice ring to it, eh?

Michelle