Innes Sibun: The Preacher Review
Growing up, I was constantly reminded of a very important saying: “Practice what you preach.” When it comes to preaching our beloved genre, Bath-born bluesman Innes Sibun has the character and credentials to back up his soulful sermonizing of blues and jazz on his 12th studio album The Preacher.
Sibun began playing guitar at the age of 12 after hearing BB King (maybe a dozen is his magic number?), but his gritty voice and fiery playing have deservedly seen him rustle feathers with some of the biggest names in this world we call blues rock. He most recently appeared on Sari Schorr’s (one of the most exciting Blues-Rock singers on today’s scene) debut LP A Force Of Nature (2016). Stretch the years back further and spots alongside Johnny Winter, Walter Trout, and Robert Plant would come into shot.
It’s impressive company and adds to a CV that would comfortably avoid the doomed fate of the shredder. Scampering back to the here and now, I notice a trio of guest appearances on this record, but one in particular has significant bearing behind this primarily instrumental, multi-styled release. Charlie Jones (bass) suggested Sibun make this kind of record when they were rambling and rocking together in Plant’s touring band over 30 years ago.
So it’s finally arrived — the album Sibun has been threatening to make for more than three decades. While it’s nothing like the high-energy, explosive blues he usually dishes up, there are plenty of moments of exquisite guitar work on this collection of blues/jazz tunes.
There’s an eerie intro to Americana-country opener “Incantation”, before fattening out into tearful slide, killer Hammond organ, and a rhythm section that add to the strong army of talent that has helped Sibun shine a very different (but bright) light on his tasteful playing and superb songwriting.
The title track really highlights the jazz element that weighs heavily on the record, as Sibun’s sweet, rich tone potters over a tight, creative, and funky arrangement.
While we’ve waited since 1993 for this LP, we only have to wait two tracks before a vocalist is introduced. And they don’t come much better than the velvet-tone vocals of Marcus Malone, who teamed up with Sibun for the outstanding Come Together in 2020. With a voice capturing undeniable shades of Paul Rodgers (think early Free), he joins Sibun on the magnificent, almost-seven minute slow blues of “I Found Your Letter”, with Sibun’s guitar work an emotive thing of beauty.
The versatility on show is really captured in the funky tinge of “Freya’s Smile,” blending fluid, lyrical Latin licks and spiritual jazz-fusion in another mini epic, once again clocking in just under the seven-minute mark.
“Red Beans” funks on gas, while “Jump For Joy” is the kind of blues rock soiree with flurries of Hammond organ that makes you do just that.
Ten of the 11 tracks are Sibun originals, with the Latin feeling of “Sunny” (A Bobby Hebb standard) the exception to the rule. Sibun’s melodic sensibility and warm, saturated guitar weavery come to the fore (not too dissimilar to mid to late 70s Santana), with the mid-song piano solo from Anders Olinder not to be sniffed at.
From funky grooves to slower, smoother arrangements, The Preacher warms and wanders effortlessly between jazz and blues, showcasing a side to Sibun we’ve never heard before. I’ll continue to preach about the need for patience, as the 30+ years it’s taken proves the best things come to those who wait.
