|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the Whole Enchilada to the BergenPAC! A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch "The Whole Enchilada" is the lead single from his latest album The Reflection and one of twenty-two spicy numbers that the Keb' Mo' Band served up at the BergenPAC in Englewood, New Jersey on September 25, 2011. Keb' Mo' and his talented team delivered a generous portion of music in a career-spanning-set on Sunday night and he still left room for dessert in the form of a four-song encore.
 Keb' Mo' on stage in Englewood, New Jersey in September 2011. Keb' Mo' is a three time Grammy Award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album. His music blends the best of the blues with funk, jazz, R&B and soul elements. Keb' Mo' has had an interesting career that includes a stint as staff writer for A&M Records and jamming with the likes of Albert Collins and Papa John Creach. Among his outside interests are acting and political activism. Keb' Mo' is known for the blues but The Reflection released in 2011 melds the sounds and spirits of traditional African-American "folk soul". The twelve track album is a tasteful mix of melody and rhythm featuring guest artists India.Arie, Vince Gill, Marcus Miller, Dave Koz and David T Walker. On Sunday, Keb' Mo' was armed with an array of acoustic, electric and resonator guitars, many in his favorite color of red. Keb' Mo's approach to the guitar was a slow simmer. He played cleanly and concisely allowing his band opportunities to add ingredients to the music. Keb' has a deep expressive voice that works well with his storytelling style of song craft. Keb's two hour menu opened with an appetizing pair of rockers enhanced with robust rhythms. "I'm Amazing" set the tone for an amazing night of entertainment. Next up was the biting "Government Cheese" which was appropriate as no enchilada is complete without this key ingredient. "All The Way" was slower and spiked with a blues flavor. Kicking it up a notch the fourth course featured Keb' playing a number of guitars along with the harmonica while his team of keyboard players added spice to the jam.
 Keb' Mo' and his new album The Reflection. Moving to a more soulful mood, Keb' picked pretty prose from a silver guitar as the keyboards gently cascaded into the mix. The next tune was a gumbo of tempos and textures that ranged from sultry blues to smooth jazz. Going for more zing the band picked up pace with "Closer" melding catchy hooks with lavish guitar leads. Mid-set Keb' switched to an acoustic. He and his bassist exchanged tasteful notes as Keb' told the tale of "Angelina". If was followed by the reflective and rich "Just Like You". The rest of the band returned to the stage and cooked on county styled grooves. Keb' and the band turned up the heat with an animated "Gimme What You Got" with sizzling guitar licks and a bold bass solo. Returning to a slow simmer, Keb' played a tantalizing twangy guitar accented with pretty mandolin parts. Blues was the next sultry course topped with impressive keyboard solos in "Dangerous Mood". The encore was stuffed with more varied and vibrant vocals and instrumentation and the evening was complete with the Robert Johnson cover "Come On In My Kitchen". Keb' Mo' and his band served up the whole enchilada on Sunday night. The set was filled with a wide range of musical styles, saucy solos and remarkable storytelling! Opening for Keb' Mo' was Sunny War. The engaging Miss War was equipped with an acoustic guitar and a compelling life story. Her songs were catchy and loaded with melodic licks as she told personal stories about her life addressing heavy topics such as alcoholism and homelessness. War had a pretty picking style and shared some humor between tracks. Sunny was apt at her craft and she seemed to genuinely appreciate the warm reception she received at the end of her eight song set.
KEB' MO' SETLIST - 09/25/2011:
THE KEB' MO' BAND:
 Sunny War was an intriguing and engaging opening act. Related Links: For more information on KEB' MO' and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Keb Mo | Sonny War | BergenPAC (Originally Published on September 27, 2011) |
PLEASE CONTACT US AT -- PHONE: 973.556.5400|E-MAIL
About Us | Band & Artist Community | Client Testimonials | Concert Tickets Press Releases | Radio Show | Reviews-CD | Reviews-DVD | Send Music
© 2012 SoundPress.net | All Rights Reserved
|
