An Interview with
Keb' Mo'
by Nick Orlando
lues
singer, songwriter and guitarist Kevin Moore, better known as Keb’
Mo’ among his fans, was born and raised in California. Mo’s
distinctive sound, a fusion of folk, rock, jazz, and pop, has earned
him three Grammy wins for Best Contemporary Blues album. Recent
credits include an appearance on the series finale of NBC’s The
West Wing, on which he played himself and sang “America the
Beautiful.”
Mo’s eighth album, “Suitcase,” was released on
June 13th. “Suitcase” was produced by Mo’ and John
Porter, who also worked on Mo’s self-titled debut album in 1994.
While on tour here in New York City, Keb’ Mo’
and I spoke from his hotel room.
Nick Orlando: Kevin, you are in New York
right now, how is it going?
Keb’ Mo’: It’s New York! The weather is nice.
Nick Orlando: What inspired you to release your latest album,
“Suitcase?”
Keb’ Mo’: There are a lot of things that
inspired me. The inspiration behind [each song] is different. My
goal with each record is always to be in the moment and in that time
period, so the record speaks to what’s going on for me and how I am
relating to the world in that time period.
Nick Orlando: Kevin, this is your eighth album. How does this
album differ from the rest?
Keb’
Mo’: It’s different from all of the rest and it’s just like all of
the rest. It differs in a way, [since] it’s a different state of
mind than I am in. It is me at different times. I wanted to make a
good record, that’s always what I do! Like all of the records, I
wanted to communicate the songs. They have to mean something to me
and mean something to the listener. I think I am much happier in my
life on this record.
Nick Orlando: You are currently on tour with
Bonnie Raitt. How did you two pair up?
Keb’ Mo’: Bonnie and I have had a friendship
that started back in 1994 when my first album came out; she
befriended me when she heard my record. She became a great
supporter and has taken me on the road. This is the second time she
has taken me on tour with her.
Nick Orlando: What do you like best about
working with Bonnie?
Keb’ Mo’: She is just gracious, real and
accommodating. Bonnie is generous with her band. When she goes out
there, she is dedicated; she is committed to who she is, musically
and socially.
Nick Orlando: Growing up, what kind of music
did you listen to?
Keb’ Mo’: I listened to what everybody else was
listening to between 1951 and 1969! I listened to everything –
jazz, classical, rock, pop. Latin and jazz were big influences. I
wasn’t listening to blues.
Nick Orlando: What do you have coming up
after the tour?
Keb’ Mo’: After the tour, I am just going to
chill out! I will be working on a movie, as well.
Nick Orlando: Thank you very much for your
time!
Keb’ Mo’s latest album is in stores now. You
can catch him on tour with Bonnie Raitt through October. For more
information, visit
www.kebmo.com.
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About the Author:
Drawing on his
diversified experience in radio and television, which ranges from
programming to production to reporting, Nick Orlando has recently
formed NICO Productions, Inc., an entertainment production company.
Nick has worked for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, WCBS-TV, Cox Radio,
Saturday Night Live, and Live with Regis and Kelly.
Currently, Nick resides in New York and is working in television
programming. In addition, he serves as Entertainment
Reporter and Producer for radio, television, and various
publications. Nick would like to thank
his Producers/Editors Michael Pagnotta and Snezhana Valdman who work
behind the scenes making each interview/package possible. He is a
member of the International Radio & Television Society Foundation,
Inc. (IRTS), New York Press Club, and was recently accepted into
the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA).
