Three time Grammy award winner Keb’ Mo’ gave a very impressive performance this past Saturday night at the intimate Bears Den (inside the Seneca Niagara Casino.) Keb’ Mo’ wasn’t the only one in the spotlight as he had Casey Wasner on drums and Tom Shinness multitasking on a slew of different instruments.
Mo’ loved the venue and made many comments on how intimate the setting was. He really went back and forth with the crowd the entire night. He answered some of the chirps with his own. His songs were quick and funny and to the point. His delta style of blues played to the crowd and played to me. I was really engrossed in the new song, “The Old Me Better.” I loved the lyrical content and must say even only after hearing it but once, this song fit me to a “T” like no other. The song is a tongue-in-cheek commentary about being young and carefree, and the inevitable realization that as time passes you get set in your ways, grow older, and well, you’re soon looking back wondering where all the fun went, and what became of that person who lived life by his own rules. I can’t do it justice but if you Google it and listen to it, you will not be disappointed. It will be included on his new CD “BLUESAmericana” out April 22, 2014.
Shinness played a wide array of instruments including a mandolin, cello (sitting down and holding it like a guitar I might add), bass and a 1913 Gibson harp guitar. This instrument was nothing like I have ever seen. It had 10 harp strings and 6 guitar strings. Shinness, while Mo’ was playing the steel guitar, used it during the song “Shave Your Legs.” Mo’ enjoyed mastering his solo during the song “Dangerous Mood, while Wasner held the beat the entire night perfectly complementing Keb’and Shinness.
Check out the new album and tour they are promoting right now. Mo’ was every bit of the showmen you would expect and more!
Setlist:
Closer
Rita
More for Your Money (new song)
That’s Not Love
Shave Your Legs
Government Cheese
Life is Beautiful
More Than One
Suitcase
The Old Me Better (new song)
Everything I Need
Soon as I Get Paid
Enchilada
Dangerous Mood
Whole Nutha Thang
Encore:
Am I Wrong
She Dance
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for the credentials to review the show.
