|
||||
___
___
  |
|
by Tim Cashmere There's something magical about the blues when it is stripped back to its grassroots origins and Keb' Mo' has managed to harness that magic. His harnessing technique is quite simply following the instructions the album title gives: "Keep it simple!" The album opens with a twelve bar blues known as 'France'. The idea is simple, sing in the simplest of terms about what's going on in your life. "There ain't nothing wrong with Texas, but you and I are goin' to France!" 'Let Your Light Shine' ventures away from the straightforward blues formula, but still manages to take away all cares in the world. By the end of this four minutes you'll find yourself singing "Let your light shine, let your wind blow!" note for note. There is an interesting message of being yourself in 'Shave Yo' Legs'. "Go ahead be wild and free, you don't have to shave your legs for me" Keb' sings with all the truth in the world. The blues reprises itself in its traditional twelve bar form with 'Prosperity Blues', featuring a great piano part played by Greg Phillinganes (Eric Clapton, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder), while true homage is paid in 'Riley B. King' a tune about a man better known as B. B. King… and includes guitar solos from Robert Cray and Robben Ford (Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Little Feat). Keb' Mo' pounds the blues full of pop hooks and feel good melodies. Blues purists might find this album to be a "fake", but for those who like their blues with a touch of gospel, country and bluegrass, this is where to look. - Tim Cashmere Track
Listing Label:
Sony |
Keb Mo : Keep It Simple