Innes Sibun - The Preacher
A dozen solo albums down, noted British blues guitarist Innes Sibun (Rober Plant, Sari Schorr, Malone Sibun) has delivered what was first considered some thirty years ago – a primarily instrumental, multi-styled release that showcases his wider ranging guitar chops and influences.
Nor does it hurt that he has a strong array of talent for The Preacher, including his live band of brothers, drummer Kevin O’Rourke, bassist Kevin Jefferies and keys player Anders Olinder (many will recognise that tight & tidy quartet as Sari Schorr’s first touring band, The Engine Room).
The album also features John Baggott (electric piano), Clive Deamer (drums) and Charlie Jones (bass).
(Interestingly, it seems it was Jones, then with Robert Plant, that suggested an instrumental album to Sibun back in 1993, when the guitarist was in Plant’s touring band).
Two vocal tracks also feature, both of which are voiced by Marcus Malone, Innes Sibun’s partner in the Malone Sibun Band (delivering the excellent Come Together album in 2020).
From its eerie, off-kilter Americana intro (banjo picking interacting with spooky slide guitar soundscapes), the 'Incantation' of the opening track then magics up a sweet yet still spooky-fied Americana-country piece that features crying slide, bass, drums and Hammond keys.
'The Preacher' then shines a very different light on Innes Sibun and his tasteful playing.
Carrying a smooth Larry Carlton-esque jazz vibe, a helping of soulful blues and sections that recall The Meters 1969 R&B/ funk hit 'Cissy Strut,' 'The Preacher' is a showcase for some of the coolest solo play Sibun has ever laid down. An album highlight.
Near seven-minute slow blues 'I Found Your Letter' features the soulful baritone voice of Marcus Malone in perfect harmony with Innes Sibun’s sympathetic six-string remarks (that Sibun’s solo is another highlight of the album is no surprise, given his blues hued credentials).
It’s also a song that makes you hope we hear more from Malone Sibun in the future.
'Time is Tight' is a bouncy, cool-jazz piece that sports a nice Hammond and guitar solo; the occasional "dah-da-dah" vocals sung along to the melody line add to the tune’s fun vibe.
Six-and-half minute Latin-soul number 'Freya’s Smile' is a similarly light and airy excursion.
Gliding on a funky groove, and highly reminiscent of mid to late seventies Santana, Innes Sibun’s fluid solos sound like he is channelling the six-string spirit of Carlos.
'Inky' is a reflective, downtempo piece where keys play as important a role as the guitar; by contrast 'Jump For Joy' is just that – a fun jump blues that wouldn’t be out of place in a late 50s or early 60s juke joint.
Bobby Hebb’s oft-covered soul-jazz standard 'Sunny' works well here as an instrumental, with Innes Sibun’s guitar lyricising the main melody line to fine, expressive effect.
Sibun’s later song guitar play is, again, very reminiscent of Carlos Santana, but the mid-song piano solo is the icing on the Sunny-jazz cake.
'Let It Go,' the second track to feature Marcus Malone, is a mid-tempo shuffle-boogie that features some nifty slide and twin-guitar parts.
'Red Beans' then struts its funk (or funks its strut; either applies) before a reprise of 'Time Is Tight' (sporting a slower and smoother arrangement) closes out the album in nicely chilled, late night style.
Over thirty years in consideration a primarily instrumental album from Innes Sibun may have been, but The Preacher has been well worth the wait.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ
Nor does it hurt that he has a strong array of talent for The Preacher, including his live band of brothers, drummer Kevin O’Rourke, bassist Kevin Jefferies and keys player Anders Olinder (many will recognise that tight & tidy quartet as Sari Schorr’s first touring band, The Engine Room).
The album also features John Baggott (electric piano), Clive Deamer (drums) and Charlie Jones (bass).
(Interestingly, it seems it was Jones, then with Robert Plant, that suggested an instrumental album to Sibun back in 1993, when the guitarist was in Plant’s touring band).
Two vocal tracks also feature, both of which are voiced by Marcus Malone, Innes Sibun’s partner in the Malone Sibun Band (delivering the excellent Come Together album in 2020).
From its eerie, off-kilter Americana intro (banjo picking interacting with spooky slide guitar soundscapes), the 'Incantation' of the opening track then magics up a sweet yet still spooky-fied Americana-country piece that features crying slide, bass, drums and Hammond keys.
'The Preacher' then shines a very different light on Innes Sibun and his tasteful playing.
Carrying a smooth Larry Carlton-esque jazz vibe, a helping of soulful blues and sections that recall The Meters 1969 R&B/ funk hit 'Cissy Strut,' 'The Preacher' is a showcase for some of the coolest solo play Sibun has ever laid down. An album highlight.
Near seven-minute slow blues 'I Found Your Letter' features the soulful baritone voice of Marcus Malone in perfect harmony with Innes Sibun’s sympathetic six-string remarks (that Sibun’s solo is another highlight of the album is no surprise, given his blues hued credentials).
It’s also a song that makes you hope we hear more from Malone Sibun in the future.
'Time is Tight' is a bouncy, cool-jazz piece that sports a nice Hammond and guitar solo; the occasional "dah-da-dah" vocals sung along to the melody line add to the tune’s fun vibe.
Six-and-half minute Latin-soul number 'Freya’s Smile' is a similarly light and airy excursion.
Gliding on a funky groove, and highly reminiscent of mid to late seventies Santana, Innes Sibun’s fluid solos sound like he is channelling the six-string spirit of Carlos.
'Inky' is a reflective, downtempo piece where keys play as important a role as the guitar; by contrast 'Jump For Joy' is just that – a fun jump blues that wouldn’t be out of place in a late 50s or early 60s juke joint.
Bobby Hebb’s oft-covered soul-jazz standard 'Sunny' works well here as an instrumental, with Innes Sibun’s guitar lyricising the main melody line to fine, expressive effect.
Sibun’s later song guitar play is, again, very reminiscent of Carlos Santana, but the mid-song piano solo is the icing on the Sunny-jazz cake.
'Let It Go,' the second track to feature Marcus Malone, is a mid-tempo shuffle-boogie that features some nifty slide and twin-guitar parts.
'Red Beans' then struts its funk (or funks its strut; either applies) before a reprise of 'Time Is Tight' (sporting a slower and smoother arrangement) closes out the album in nicely chilled, late night style.
Over thirty years in consideration a primarily instrumental album from Innes Sibun may have been, but The Preacher has been well worth the wait.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ