Keb’ Mo’
LIVE – That Hot Pink Blues Album
Kind of Blue Music
With so many over-the-top, flash-in-the-pan artists clogging the music scene over the years, it’s refreshing to know that there are still singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists who focus on quality music in its purest form, and do so with skill, grace and humility. Keb’ Mo’ definitely tops that list. Gleaning from his expansive material, Keb’ has gifted his loyal fans with Keb’ Mo’ LIVE – That Hot Pink Blues Album, a two-disc set, and it doesn’t get much better than this. Recorded in nine different cities during the 2015 tour and offering 16 songs from his over-twenty year career, Keb’ is backed by keyboardist Michael B. Hicks, bassist Stan Sargeant and drummer Casey Wasner, who also produced the record. A master at writing about life, love, heartbreak and humor, much based on his own experiences, Keb’ has remained true to his roots/blues sound, which is why he has captured the hearts of countless fans who flock to his shows. For just those few hours, Keb’s soothing storyteller style creates an engaging atmosphere, transporting the audience members back to another time and place in their own lives, and THAT is what defines a true raconteur.
Combining playful, sharp wit with honest poignancy, Keb’ reels in the crowd on tracks such as “France,” “The Old Me Better,” “She Just Wants to Dance” and “The Worst Is Yet to Come.” But he also displays his softer side with the more ballad-driven “Henry,” “Life Is Beautiful,” “Come On Back,” “More Than One Way Home” and “Rita.” Thrown into the mix is the funkadelic “A Better Man” and “Government Cheese,” and the darker, more blues-oriented “Dangerous Mood.” No Keb’ Mo’ concert collection would be complete without the hauntingly beautiful “City Boy,” which is indeed a treat, but the real hidden gem is “The Door,” recorded in Saratoga, California, which individually highlights each band member’s interpretation of the chorus. This is the one I keep playing over and over, and the band shines brilliantly every time.
As a long-time supporter of the Playing For Change Foundation, a nonprofit organization that creates positive change through music and arts education, Keb’ is donating 5% of the proceeds from sales of Keb’ Mo’ Live to the foundation and its cause, a noble and worthy cause, indeed. Whether you’re a long-time fan who has never had the chance to see a Keb’ Mo’ performance, or even a new fan wondering what a concert would offer, Keb’ Mo’ LIVE – That Hot Pink Blues Album does not disappoint and is the perfect addition to your musical catalog.
