KEB MO | VINYL RECORD (LP)

Keb' Mo' Keb' Mo' on Numbered Edition 180g LP from Mobile Fidelity 1994 Self-Titled Major-Label Debut a Folk-Blues Classic Mastered from the Original Master Tapes: Gorgeous Vocal Inflections, Astonishing Acoustic Guitar Lines Possess Incredible Detail Pure Blues: National Steel Guitar Playing, Raw Harmonica Solos, Soulful Strumming Infuse Originals and Pair of Covers In an age where most contemporary bluesmen strive to mimic the past and pattern their music after the greats, Keb' Mo' is content to be himself. Original, charismatic, and immensely gifted, the guitarist/vocalist (born Kevin Moore) brings country blues in the late 20th century on his stunning self-titled Epic debut, which quickly climbed the charts and turned the former backing instrumentalist into a household name. Replete with gritty textures, close-up vocals, and resplendent acoustics, Mobile Fidelity's scintillating version of this 1994 set finally possesses the fidelity that brings Mo's Delta strains out of the backwoods and onto a lively back porch. Mastered from the original tapes, this numbered-edition 180g LP represents the very first time that Mo's watershed album has been given a much-needed sonic facelift. Gone are the hazes that obscured his singing, artificial ceilings that blunted the highs, and digital fog that interfered with the multitude of illuminating tones, details, and notes. What's revealed is startling intimacy and soothing emotion, Mo's gorgeous vocal timbres and inflections given equal space with his guitar, harmonica, and pace. Finally, a great-sounding contemporary blues record that doesn't resort to derivative recycling and bland revivalism. The son of Southern parents, Mo' channels his heritage via a batch of superb folksy songs that relax, refresh, and regale. While he's since traveled in a more commercialized pop-oriented direction, Mo's initial salvo is nothing but raw, pure blues played with unbridled passion, tremendous conviction, and what is best deemed the essence of heart and soul. Keb' Mo' engages with a compelling mix of tradition and modernity, the headliner refraining from any attempt at assuming an artificial personality and instead basing his reputation on quality songs. As such, Mo's material resonates with deep, mellow vibes and extraordinary National steel guitar work, which complements his fluid, acoustic finger-picking and soulful strumming. Mo' occasionally teams with an ensemble. But this record is mostly all about the basics: guitar, voice, and harmonica. Tunes such as 'Victims of Comfort' and 'Angelina' testify on behalf of his phenomenal country-blues songwriting; his covers of Robert Johnson's 'Come On In My Kitchen' and 'Kindhearted Woman Blues' speak to his reverence for the past. Shuffles, ballads, dance songs-Mo nails them all. Keb' Mo' remains one of the finest blues albums made in the post-Stevie Ray Vaughan era. Don't miss this American gem that so many have since tried to copy. 1/2' / 15 IPS / Dolby SR to DSD 64 to analog console to lathe Tracklist: Side A: 1. Every Morning 2. Tell Everybody I Know 3. Love Blues 4. Victims of Comfort 5. Angelina 6. Anybody Seen My Girl? 7. She Just Wants to Dance Side B: 8. Am I Wrong? 9. Come on in My Kitchen 10. Dirty, Low Down and Bad 11. Don't Try to Explain 12. Kindhearted Woman Blues 13. City Boy