Back by popular demand, gospel-blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and recording artist Eric Bibb returns to the Gila Valley for what is expected to be a sold-out concert. He will perform Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Eastern Arizona College’s Lee Little Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at Richards Music/Radio Shack and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce.

Those who heard him during his last Gila Valley visit can confirm that an evening with Bibb is an enriching experience, both musically and spiritually. His music, like his personality, is intimate, assured and passionate, drawing listeners into the moment more as participants than spectators. Bibb blends various genres effortlessly, melding a traditional “rootsy” American style with a subtle, contemporary sensibility.

A gifted songwriter and musician, Bibb is drawing critical acclaim in Europe and the United States. He has appeared at the London Blues Festival and has toured the world several times. Twice nominated for the W.C. Handy Award, Bibb has been recognized by Billboard magazine for his “extremely high level of artistry,” while Guitarist magazine says that “Bibb’s genius sparkles.”

Eric Bibb

For more than four decades, Bibb’s rich blend of blues, folk, soul and gospel has not only entertained audiences around the globe but has also inspired them to take a more positive and compassionate view of humanity, and that is exactly what Bibb hopes to do.

“We’re living in a time when we really need to try to walk a mile in another person’s shoes,” Bibb commented. “We have to stop looking at ourselves and others as ‘us’ and ‘them’ and start being more inclusive.”

His latest CD, “Get On Board,” follows that theme. “What I’m trying to convey is a very simple but very direct message,” Bibb said. “I want people to be on board, not only with me as an artist but with the spirit of what drives this record – the spirit of unity.” Guitarist/blues singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt and blues/folk/gospel singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster are featured guests on the album.

One of the tracks, “If Our Hearts Ain’t in It,” is a gospel-flavored ballad that features emotional slide guitar accents, courtesy of Raitt. As the title suggests, the track makes the case that gestures of kindness and forgiveness are pointless until they come from the right place in the heart.

Bibb’s convictions come from his family values and their deep roots in the American blues and folk traditions. He is the son of 1950s folk and musical theatre singer and television personality Leon Bibb. His uncle was world-famous jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. His godfather was singer, actor and activist Paul Robeson.

In addition to inspiration from his own family, Bibb was influenced by such greats as Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Richie Havens, Odetta, Bob Dylan and Judy Collins. In 2004, he collaborated with Maria Muldaur and Rory Black to record “Sisters and Brothers,” a gospel-flavored blues CD. Later that year, he joined longtime friends Taj Mahal, Odetta, Guy Davis and Charlie Musselwhite to record the aptly-named CD “Friends.”

Bibb got his first steel-stringed guitar when he was 7 years old and was soon consumed by music. At age 19, he left for Paris to perform and later moved to Sweden. In the 1980s, he returned to New York, where he continued to write and open for headliners such as Sonny Terry, Etta James, The Persuasions, Tania Maria and Brownie McGhee.

While exploring the world, Bibb has always stayed true to his gospel-blues roots. He considers his latest CD, “Get On Board,” to be one of the most exciting projects of his career. “It’s a further exploration into the place where blues meets gospel and soul,” Bibb said.

So get ready to get on board as the Gila Valley Arts Council hosts Eric Bibb in concert Nov. 18. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. For information about GVAC’s 2008-2009 season or to learn ways to support the arts in Graham and Greenlee counties visit www.gvac.org or call 485-2744.