| Blues |
This album reached me in 2016, just before I took over Bayou Blue Radio. I remember my astonishment at the time, even though I’m not a blues specialist, I was delighted to hear this artist from the first tracks of this double live album. What I have always appreciated about Keb’ Mo’ is his way of approaching the blues like a jazz musician. *That Hot Pink Blue* consists of tracks recorded live here and there in the USA between 2015 and early 2016, representing the career of this artist who has managed to conquer a very wide audience. Some of these tracks are still in his repertoire and have evolved over time. So, I wasn’t surprised one day to discover this NPR video with Christian McBride and Jennifer Harstwick:
Keb’ Mo’ is not only the perfect bridge between these two worlds, but he is also the one who has intelligently modernized the blues by adopting a different narrative form in his musical writing and lyrics. But Keb’ Mo’ is not just the likable and talented artist we all know. He is also very politically engaged in social, environmental, and racial justice. He is a famous mentor of the Kennedy Center’s Turnaround Arts program, initiated under the guidance of First Lady Michelle Obama and the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Keb’ has “adopted” The Johnson School for Excellence in Chicago, where he has collaborated with teachers, students, and parents to help develop a flourishing arts education program. As a longtime ambassador of the Playing For Change Foundation, he has supported the nonprofit organization from its early days in its quest to provide free music education and basic needs like food, water, medicine, clothing, books, and school supplies to children around the world.
Concerned for others, his lyrics run parallel to his political commitments. You won’t find anything in them to upset those who think differently from him, but he develops his values through various stories, and his music is truly inspired by a past that he brings to life in the present. Keb’ Mo’ states, “I may be turning 70,” “but I’m still breathing and I’m still hungry. I’m still here, giving my all every day.” Keb’ Mo’ has also made a few forays into the world of cinema, such as *The Blues* by Martin Scorsese, *The West Wing* by Aaron Sorkin, and even the iconic children’s series *Sesame Street*. He has showcased his acting talents in a wide variety of projects, portraying Robert Johnson in the 1998 documentary *Can’t You Hear The Wind Howl*, Howlin’ Wolf in CMT’s *Sun Records*, and the ghostly bluesman Possum in John Sayles’ 2007 film *Honeydripper*. A staple of late-night shows and award ceremonies, Keb’ has also performed on *Letterman*, *Leno*, *Conan*, *Colbert*, and *Austin City Limits*, in addition to appearing on national TV broadcasts from the Kennedy Center, the Ryman Auditorium, and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival.
Over the years, Keb’ Mo’ has made himself indispensable while remaining as humble and close to his audience as ever. He is undoubtedly an excellent example for many people. Naturally, it’s not just the artistic values that I share with this artist, whom I call “Indispensable” for his entire career and for this album, which I believe is his only live album, perfectly produced and faithfully reproducing all the warmth and humanity that Keb’ Mo’ offers to his audience each time.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, July 15th 2024
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