Keb’ Mo’ – Peace, Back By Popular Demand (2004)

This album is an excellent collection of great songs from the past. Mo' does a journeyman's job of delivering these tunes, letting the lyric and melodies speak for themselves. One of my favorites is his piano-backed version of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'." Using piano rather than guitar and Mo's world-weary wisdom result in a hopeful and unique rendition of this classic. The Youngbloods' peace anthem "Get Together" also works exquisitely with Paulinho Da Costa's percolating percussion. Alicia Keys recently re-did Donny Hathaway's classic "Someday We'll All Be Free." Keb's version again polishes this most beautiful of melodies. Other tracks like Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" and the Rascals' "People Got to Be Free" also work well. This set is upbeat and hopeful, not too distant from "Big Wide Grin" where Keb' did other cover tunes. This is an excellent set from one of our best. Enjoy!

Please note that this is an old but good rip (without log), made with an old version of EAC, and coming from my archives on external hard disc.

Personnel Includes:

Keb' Mo' - vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar, mandolin
Paul Jackson, Jr. - guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
James Harrah - electric guitar
Mark Cargill - violin, fiddle
Susan Chatman - violin
Karen Elaine Bakunin - viola
Miguel Martinez - cello
Lon Price - saxophone
Mindi Abair - soprano saxophone, alto saxophone
Nick Lane - trombone
Greg Phillinganes - piano, organ
Reggie McBride - bass instrument
Stephen Ferrone, Eve Ferrone - drums
Alex Brown, Maxi Anderson, Phillip Ingram, Wil Wheaton - background vocals
Jeff Paris - mandolin, piano, electric piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, synthesizer
Harvey Mason, Sr. - drums
Paulinho Da Costa – percussion

Tracklist:

01. For What It's Worth
02. Wake Up Everybody
03. People Got to Be Free
04. Talk
05. What's Happening Brother - Featuring Bettye LaVette
06. The Times They Are A-Changin'
07. Get Together
08. Someday We'll All Be Free
09. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
10. Imagine

Produced by Keb' Mo'
Recorded at Conway Studios, Hollywood, CA & The Village Recorders, West Los Angeles, CA

Sound Quality: 9