Keb’ Mo’ released his 2-disc live record this spring. In a modern day blues album, this industry veteran delivers his skillfully accessible sounds.
Keb’ Mo’ has been releasing records since 1994 and That Hot Pink Blues Album is his 11th. An award-winning veteran musician in the contemporary blues scene, this artist brings years of skill and heaps of soul to the table. Keb’ Mo’ and his band seem to have a fluid and highly integrated relationship. Casey Wasner on drums, Stan Sargeant on bass and Michael B. Hicks on keyboard make this group a seasoned force to be reckoned with.
Keb’ Mo’ Live – That Hot Pink Blues Album contains 16 tracks, which were recorded during the band’s 2015 live tour. Showcasing tracks captured across nine different cities, listeners feel as though they have front-row seats to the action. With powerful instrumentation, engaging vocals, a wide range of emotion and a resoundingly human sensibility, audiences immediately feel drawn to the Keb’ Mo’ sound.
Keb' Mo' Highlights Many Shades of Blue
“Tell Everybody I Know” kicks off Keb’ Mo’ Live – That Hot Pink Blues Album with a bang. A happy go lucky tune, it is impossible not to move with the beat. This genuine sounding love song has a catchy rhythm and fun instrumentation.
Next on That Hot Pink Blues Album is “Somebody Hurt You.” A strong blues sensibility permeates this track. Relatable and uplifting despite heavier tones, it is marked by expert string work in an intense and engaging musical break.
Keb’ Mo’ continues to spotlight different shades of blues-infused music throughout this album. “She Just Wants to Dance” pops up in the middle with – as the title suggests – a very danceable, fun tune. Women in the audience will likely use this as a theme song for nights out.
Further demonstrating his range, Keb’ Mo’ delivers “Government Cheese,” a funky tune, which makes a definitive social statement. Meanwhile, “Come on Back” is a heartfelt and somewhat sorrowful song with an almost R&B flair. Next, “France” is a bluesy track, telling a clear story.
Two standout tracks on the second of the two discs are “The Old Me Better” and “City Boy.” “The Old Me Better” is a fast and snappy song with a sense of humor. Listeners will find themselves humming it for days to come. “City Boy” closes out the album with a beautifully executed, soulful, honest tune. With pared-down instrumentation, “City Boy” allows Keb’ Mo’s voice and Michael B. Hicks’ key work to take center stage.
Keb’ Mo’ Live – That Hot Pink Blues Album is a blend of interesting story telling, nuanced performances, human lyrics and expert musicality. Keb’ Mo’s vocal and guitar skills are undeniable. The band does more than compliment him, but each hold their own and allow their individual personalities to shine through. That Hot Pink Blues Album is sure to impress audiences.