When Keb’ Mo’ performs at Dave Finkelman Auditorium in Middletown this Saturday, he does so 10 days before the release of his first solo recording in three years.
Titled BLUESAmericana, the album’s name captures the multi-genre lines that Mo’ has crossed throughout his career.
Yes, Mo’ (real name: Kevin Moore) has always staked his claim largely in the Contemporary Blues category, as his multiple W.C. Handy Blues and Grammy Awards can attest. But he has also delved into Country Blues, Gospel, Folk and Americana fare as well.
As this new album will showcase, the singer and skilled guitarist is an artist who adds original songwriting to his unique remaking of past Blues chestnuts. BLUESAmericana features all Mo’-penned songs except for one cover. In press materials, Mo’ says of the project, “I only make albums when I’m inspired to, and these 10 songs come from a very honest place.”
Mo’ has been around for longer than people think, going back to a stint in the late Papa John Creach’s band in the 1970s. Mo’ cut his first solo album in 1980, but never really hit his stride until his ’90s work gained notice and awards.
Mo’ also appears on All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman, an all-star live recording and video that will come out next month.
KEB’ MO’ performs Saturday, April 12 at Miami University Middletown’s
Dave Finkelman Auditorium. Tickets/more info here.
This article appears in Apr 9-15, 2014.
