Musicians :
Eric Bibb (guitar, vocals), Dave Bronze (bass, bass guitar, backing vocals), Janne Petersson (accordion), Linda Tillery, Emma Jean Foster, The Cultural
Heritage Choir (backing vocals), Wilson Pickett (lead vocals), Christer Lyssarides (Dobro), Steve Simpson, Hans Theessink (mandolin), Colin Linden (acoustic guitar), Jon Sass (tuba), Richard Studholme (electric guitar), Chuck Anthony, Richard Studholme (guitar), Janne Petersson (organ Hammond C3, piano, piano Fender Rhodes, accordion, strings Strange), Rafael Sida (percussion), Robbie McIntosh (slide guitar), Björn Gideonsson (drums, percussion), Henry Spinetti, David Rokeach (drums).

Painting Signs stands up as a complete work from beginning to end. Eric Bibb makes a fine case for blues as a music of introspection, warmth, and supreme nuance. Easily his most mature album to date, Painting Signs continues Bibb's formula of socially aware songs performed from an acutely personal point-of-view; standout tracks "Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down" and a cover of "Hope in a Hopeless World" hammer home his message of individual freedom and the responsibilities that accompany it. (It's no coincidence that Pops Staples, to whom Bibb dedicates this album, once recorded the latter song).

That's not to say Painting Signs is overly didactic or, indeed, "heavy" in any way; even the most serious songs here, like the plea for peace and unity "Got To Do Better", are leavened by a musical backdrop that's soulful and immediately accessible. - AMG / Kenneth Bays