Review: Good To Be by Keb’ Mo’

By Martine Ehrenclou

“I believe that music has the power to heal,” Keb’ Mo’ explains, “and I wanted this album to make people feel good.” Uplifting others is the five-time Grammy Award-winner’s trademark and something he accomplishes with every record he releases. Good To Be out January 21 on Rounder Records is no different. It’s a slice of contemporary blues and Americana that sparkles with a jewel-like gleam, a kaleidoscope of hope.

Written partially in Nashville and in the Compton house Keb’ (Kevin Moore) grew up in, Good To Be is about honoring roots, hope and gratitude. Collaborators on the album include Vince Gill who produced three tracks, Grammy winner Tom Hambridge (B.B. King, Buddy Guy) who produced others, and guests Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth, and Old Crow Medicine Show.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced Keb’ off the road for more than a year and he made use of that time by writing new material for Good To Be and folding in some material from the early ‘70s. He recently purchased and renovated his late mother’s house in Compton, CA, and started reflecting on what it means to be home and the importance of staying true to yourself. “No matter what, I’m going to maintain my optimism,” Keb’ says, “I’m going to maintain my peace.”

And that sense of peace is so apparent with Keb’ Mo’ and his music. Even seeing him live, that serenity and good natured spirit springs from within. Keb’ Mo’ is the real deal.

With elegance and grace “Good To Be (Home Again”) swings with acoustic guitar and a sweet groove with Keb’s warm and soulful vocals. It’s about returning to Compton and the realization of how good it is to be back home again. Keb’ is a natural storyteller and the song is flush with images of his rediscovery–the barbershop, his memory of picking fruit from the trees. With hints of resonator guitar and layers of pedal steel, the track has an easy, smooth feel.

“Good Strong Woman (feat. Darius Rucker)” mixes breezy vocals and pedal steel, bringing to light the power of a strong woman who has your back. With luscious backing vocals, the song makes room for Rucker to take his turn on vocals, a nice counterpart to Keb’.

Album standout “The Medicine Man (feat. Old Crow Medicine Show)” is a delightful, upbeat Delta blues about the pandemic. Only Keb’ Mo’ could shine such an upbeat, lively light on the subject, complete with fiddle, banjo and harmonica. A toe-tapper, Keb’ infuses his good mood and flavor into this tune about waiting on the medicine man. You might envision him on his back porch with the band playing this song; that’s how fun and easygoing it is. He sings, “Everyone is doing the best that they can.” Truth right there but sometimes we forget until Keb’s wisdom comes along in the form of a catchy tune that’ll do a little reminding.

Keb’ Mo’s musical journey began nearly a half a century ago when at the age of 21, he landed his first major gig in Papa John Creach’s band. Since then, he has topped the Billboard Blues Chart seven times, performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to The White House and has collaborated with many greats including Taj Mahal, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, and Lyle Lovett. He’s appeared in and composed music for films and TV shows and earned the Americana Music Association’s 2021 award for Lifetime Achievement in Performance. He says, “I might be about to turn 70, but I’ve got no interest in slowing down.”

With strong vocals, Keb’ Mo’s standout song “’62 Chevy” hums with energy and memorable up-tempo grooves. About wanting someone back, he sings an invitation to join him in his cool car with the dog in the back, and the promise of being there in a new way for a love revisited. With tasty guitar riffs, solid drumming and bass, this track is a winner.

Good To Be closes with “Quiet Moments (feat. Kristin Chenoweth),” a love song with acoustic guitar, piano and strings. Beautiful are the harmonies with Keb’ Mo’ and Chenoweth.

Light a fire, put up your feet and take in Good To Be by Keb’ Mo’.

Good To Be order link

Listen to “Good To be (Home Again)”