Every photo included in Big Wide Grin's booklet has Keb' Mo' looking just as pleased as punch. The material on his fifth album is likewise overwhelmingly cheerful, a series of upbeat meditations on family life that, while ... more »occasionally idealized, are usually refreshingly realistic. It's this realism, the implicit understanding that families are frequently assembled out of far-flung components rather than adhering to some nuclear ideal, that makes Grin such a winner. That principle informs songs such as "I Am Your Mother, Too," addressed to an adopted child, and "Color Him Father," about the entrance of a stepparent into a family. The whole album is, in fact, a family affair, with members of Mo's family occasionally pulling background-vocal duty. Big Wide Grin is a summertime album for those still young enough to have the summer off. Fortunately, there's just enough bittersweet mixed in to keep the result from Pollyanna-hood. After all, what's the point of being reminded to count your blessings if you don't realize that that's what they are? --Genevieve Williams« less
Every photo included in Big Wide Grin's booklet has Keb' Mo' looking just as pleased as punch. The material on his fifth album is likewise overwhelmingly cheerful, a series of upbeat meditations on family life that, while occasionally idealized, are usually refreshingly realistic. It's this realism, the implicit understanding that families are frequently assembled out of far-flung components rather than adhering to some nuclear ideal, that makes Grin such a winner. That principle informs songs such as "I Am Your Mother, Too," addressed to an adopted child, and "Color Him Father," about the entrance of a stepparent into a family. The whole album is, in fact, a family affair, with members of Mo's family occasionally pulling background-vocal duty. Big Wide Grin is a summertime album for those still young enough to have the summer off. Fortunately, there's just enough bittersweet mixed in to keep the result from Pollyanna-hood. After all, what's the point of being reminded to count your blessings if you don't realize that that's what they are? --Genevieve Williams
Paul B. (PABlo) from PITTSBURGH, PA Reviewed on 8/30/2006...
some of the sweetist contempory blues out there...
CD Reviews
Continued amazement
R. Shaff | USA | 06/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I began listening to Keb' Mo' in 1997 after purchasing his self-titled debut CD, "Keb' Mo'." Soon after that intial sampling, I immediately purchased "Just Like You" and have been hooked since that time. I now own Keb's entire catalogue, five CDs, and hope there are many more to come. If you enjoy blues, from Chicago classics to Contemporary, you must buy this CD. I'm a voracious blues fan, from the classics (Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf) to the more current, contemporary blues offerings of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn and now, Keb' Mo'. His skills on the slide guitar are nothing short of incredible coupled with his "real" lyrics make Keb' one of the most underrated blues artists today."
Fun kid's album without being hokey
Claire E. Venezia | San Francisco, CA United States | 02/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a fan of Keb Mo and was glad to see he made a kid's album. As a mother of twins, I'm trying to find music that we all can listen to. Avoiding the silly albums out there isn't too hard, it just takes a bit of research. I want my boys to be exposed to all kinds of good music, and Keb's album is one I put on often. He has a great voice, and the upbeat songs are fun to dance around to. (My boys love watching me dance and do hand movements to Love Train.) I like that he includes a wide definition of family. The grandmother's hands song is wonderful and sweet. By the way, for Keb fans he has a wonderful lullaby on Just Like You album. If anyone is looking for other kid's albums, another good one is Jazz for Kids with real jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Louis Prima etc. singing fun jazz songs."
Mr. Feel Good Makes the Ultimate Feel Good Cd
booknblueslady | Woodland, CA United States | 07/15/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Big Wide Grin by Keb' Mo' is just that a big wide grin on your face. It is music that is positive and affirms the value of the family in today's society. To add to that it does it though the grace of pleasant acoustic, organic music. It is just pleasin' and fun to listen to. Kevin Moore aka Keb' Mo' is one of those "young" musicians who "burst" upon the blues music scene several years back. Since that time he has been producing quality blues music that is both uplifting and original. In reality Keb' who was born in 1951 has been involved in music professionally since the early 1970's when he became part of Papa John Creach's band. Through this apprenticeship Keb' has developed a deep appreciation of music and skill as a musician. Through his natural disposition he writes and records songs that are positive and thoughtful in nature.Big Wide Grin is Keb' Mo's celebration of the family and he takes great care to include the whole family. He includes songs of grandmothers, daughters, sons, fathers and mothers. He has included songs which he has had a great fondness for over the years, including Love Train, The Flat Foot Floogie, Sly Stone's Family Affair, Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi, Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely and America The Beautiful. Added to this collection are his originals I Am Your Mother Too, Infinite Eyes, and Don't Say No.Big Yellow Taxi is one of the high points on the cd. Always a pleasant song with a powerful message, Keb Mo's version is made perhaps more powerful by adding his son's voice to the song. "C'mon it's time to stop paving! We need a little paradise away from those tree museums."Keb Mo's original music aptly demonstrates his naturally positive nature and Don't Say No is a prime example. He states:Float above the clouds, cause when your thoughts are loud
You hear, the way to laugh and grow
Leave your doubts behind, strength is what you'll find
And love, will never let you go
Don't Say NoWhile this cd is billed as a children's cd, I hope adults do not hesitate to take a listen to it. We all can sometimes use a "picmeup" and what better one than some wonderful blues music which celebrates the family! So put on your dancing shoes and join me with the swing "Flat Fleet Floogie with the Floy, floy, Floy Doy, Floy Doy, Floy Doy, Floy Doy!""
Fabulous Family Album-- Super for Adoptive Families
Jennifer Forbes | East Lansing, MI United States | 02/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am delighted by the diversity of songs about FAMILY on this album. I love Keb' Mo' already, but this collection has earned him a place in my heart (and my young childrens'!). It's got some fun ol' favorites-- "Love Train" and "Isn't she Lovely," as well as some new songs that speak to the depth of family relations & emotions. I was completely taken by surprise by the inclusion of a song about adoption (we're an adoptive family) . . . "I am your Mother Too." Songs that validate the special bond of our family are rare to come by. I have sent copies to several apoptive-family friends. Big Wide Grin is filled with great song writing (new & old), bluesy guitar (funky & soulful) , and lovely voices (strong & emotive). For us, it's "A Family Affair.""
Thinking outside the box
Stephen D. Charlson | Richmond, Va United States | 06/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On this venture, Keb' Mo' not only demonstrates his continued musical excellence but transforms familiar songs into fresh renditions that have a personal feel. It's unfortunate that listeners cannot be more appreciative of an artist thinking "outside the box". I read the same type of negative reviews regarding Eric Clapton's "Reptile". As with "Reptile", "Big Wide Grin" is a personal venture that defines the artist beyond pure entertainment. This is the difference between an artist and a performer. Thank God for Artist like Keb' Mo' and Eric Clapton who risk a part of themselves to share with those of us who appreciate real artist in a world of commercial music that says nothing."