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Biography
Kevin Roosevelt Moore was born on 3 October 1951 in South Los Angeles, California and had an early appreciation for music, becoming a well-established guitarist by early adolescence. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he played as backup for various bands, as well as started to record music with violinist Papa John Creach through an R&B group. It was Creach who hired him to play on four of his albums giving Keb’ Mo’ his first gold album.
In 1980 he made his first release with “Rainmaker” with the help of Chocolate City Records, and then was further immersed into blues music by becoming a part of the band, Whodunit. Keb’ Mo’ followed up with “Rainmaker” with a self-titled album in 1994 on Okeh Records. In 1996 he released “Just Like You” which earned him his first Grammy Award. He then became involved in the German rocker Peter Maffay’s music collective project called Begegnungen (Encounter). In 1998 Keb’ Mo’ released his next album entitled “Slow Down” followed shortly in 2000 by “The Door.” He even released a children’s album in 2000 entitled “Big Wide Grin” which featured many of the childhood songs that Mo’ grew up with, followed by a television appearance on the popular children’s television show, “Sesame Street.” The next album he released, “Keep It Simple” in 2004 earned him another Grammy Award, followed by “Suitecase” in 2006. He went on to release his first live album in 2009.
Live reviews
For over twenty years, Kevin Moore (aka Keb’ Mo’), has been keeping the spirit of delta blues alive, recalling the essence of early recordings by the likes of Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters. Yet Keb’ Mo’s blues does not simply rehash old Mississippi standards; it is a post-modern re-evaluation of these roots, reflecting and incorporating contemporary funk, soul and rock into his style. He hasn’t won three Grammys for no reason.
Performing at the annual Rawa Blues festival in 2013, Mo’ and his fellow journeyman travelled across America’s musical history with an eclectic hour- long set to an uproarious reception. The opening songs ‘Government Cheese’ and ‘More Than One Way Home’ presented a laid back blues-funk to which heads nodded as Mo’ riffed. ‘Muddy Water’ from his 1998 album of the same name was a highlight, paying tribute to Muddy Waters and the importance of the Mississippi river to the blues tradition.
The sound of Chicago Blues ran through most of the set as the audience gazed in awe as Mo’ ran up and down the fret board laying down his smooth melodies. In blues guitar, there are few artists who can match Keb’ Mo’s talent and authenticity to be found in his effortless playing. ‘The Door,’ a slow grooving blues, gave the band a chance to show off their vocal skills, as well as the talents of Irek Dudek on harmonica, during which Keb and Irek shared phrases, challenging each other to find tastier licks in response. Following this, Mo’ picked up his slide and resonator and performed the stripped-back ‘Am I wrong?’ and ‘She Just Wants to Dance’ which was simply classic delta blues, returning the audience to romanticised thoughts of those early troubadours travelling up and down the Mississippi, simply playing their guitar to whoever would turn out to listen. Keb’ Mo’ manages to avoid clichés and offers timeless blues that is effortlessly cool.
I heard of Keb from a coworker a few years back. I was highly intrigued by his music. I've always wanted to see him in person so when I heard he was coming to a town near me I jumped at the opp. I invited a friend that had never heard of him nor had she ever been to a show like this. We both had a great time, the music was stellar, we enjoyed every minute of it. The acoustics of the Seanger Theatre in Mobile AL were great. It was a small crowd, which I attribute to not enough radio play and just folks not knowing who was going to be in town. It felt more intimate with the small crowd. It was only after the encore did he and the crowd let loose. The tickets were for designated seating but once the band came back on stage, everyone was on their feet and moved towards the stage, just the way I like it, folks were dancing and having a rocking time. If I had to point out a downfall of the evening, it would be the price of drinks, $6 for domestic beer and $10 for a mixed drink, a bit pricey. Overall it was still a great show!!!
This tour is the joint venture with Keb and Taj Mahal playing together including Taj's two daughters singing backup. They recently collaborated to produce their first album -Tajmo the Album. While I've seen Keb before, it was Taj that I really wanted to see. I've been listening to Taj since the 70's but never got the chance to see him live. Well I was blown away by the seamless playlist and the way it intertwined some of Keb's best old stuff and a healthy dose of Taj's classics (including Take a giant step outside your mind) and the new music from their most recent album. All in all it was one of the best concerts I've seen in the last 10 years. If you love the blues and want to see the best bluesmen alive (besides Buddy Guy) pay the money and travel as far as you need to see this band, and you won't regret it.
Terrific gig at the Union Chapel - stripped back to just Keb and his guitars, chilled, thoughtful, and full of charm. Love that cool delivery... My guest, who had not seen him before, was absolutely blown away too. I've seen him three times, but this was particularly special for being so direct and personal.
Martin Harley, the support act, was impressive and we're going back to hear him in October.
Great show. Mr. Mo' played lots of favorites and a few new tunes as well.
He is a very generous artist with his time and talent. He played about 2 hours and he was incredible. Sounds just like he does on his recorded tracks.
Loved the show and would highly recommend it for anyone, any age.
Thanks for a great evening Keb'.
Very personal like a jazz club late 60's-70's Atlanta!
Excellent performance Audience engaged. Double anchors.
Will always attend when close enough:
Woodruff Theatre Symphony hall. Better than lawn performance at Botantical Garden last year.
I've never see him live before, but I highly recommend! A great show! But beware if you buy concert shirts! I got outside after buying it, and luckily held it up to see that the main image on the back was completely out of place and crooked.
Amazing show, just Key' Mo' and his guitars, 90 minute show plus 3 song encore. Great banter with the audience, lots of laughter; huge smiles on the folks after the show, everything a concert should be. Brilliant musician.
Absolutely fantastic and joyful concert. Keb' is a fantastic storyteller and musician. His playfulness and humor together with the simplicity of the true delta blues is a solid stew for a great warm and cozy evening.