Customer Reviews

Big Wide Grin

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

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.

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."

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.

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 No

While 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!"

If you buy this CD looking for Mississippi Delta Blues, you're missing the point! Why must you keep Keb in a box? This is a mushy fantastic family-oriented CD. Give the guy some latitude, will ya?! I have all of his other CDs and this one is just as good, it's just different. I actually prefer this to a couple of his others. If you like Keb Mo and are opened minded, give it a try.....you probably won't regret it!

yes the cd is not his usual stlye, but on some tracks you can still hear his distinct guitar stlye quite easily. a strange 'soft' album for him, but never the less give it time and it grows on you. excellent recording(yet again)with different standards played through Kebs own visions.i gave it 4 stars because you cant beat his earlier CD's 'Keb Mo' and The Door but like Keb I think after listening a few times this change in style is well worth his effort.

I'm a big fan of Keb' Mo'. He's one of the few really new voices in blues, if you can even define what he does in that fashion. This album is a HUGE disappointment. I actually came online to see if maybe this was a children's album--at least one way to excuse what he did. Save your money, please.

I resisted this disc for many months after it's release in 2001, mainly because it does not contain any original material. In hindsight that was a mistake. Whether doing his own material or someone else's, Keb' Mo' is quite simply one of this generation's best musicians. While some have contended that Keb' Mo' was motivated to put out this release purely as a means of fulfilling his contractual obligation with Sony, it's clear that the concept of a family oriented CD was not only unique but was also a good one. The songs cover the joy and sorrow of being a parent it also encompasses songs about grandparents the family unit itself. Always colorful and brilliant, Keb' Mo' places his magical touch on songs from a generation past. At the same time, he reaches out and touches your heart.

I'm truly a die hard Keb' Mo fan but this CD is certainly not what I expected. Keb's earlier work is outstanding but this... I am sorely disappointed. After listening to it I definitely didn't have a "Big Wide Grin."

Keb' Mo' is a wonderful blues singer/player. But, this album brings him in to a new genre. It's upbeat, soulful, bluesy, jazzy (thanks to some fantastic percussion by Luis Conte) and intelligent. The lyrics will make you smile, cry and laugh.

This is my CD of the year...and, I'm wondering how in the world he'll ever top himself after this.

I own a company with just over 30 employee's. Guess what will be in their Inboxes come Monday? Everybody should have this album.