With music steeped in the Delta blues and dynamic stage presence, Grammy-winning musician Keb’ Mo’ charmed audiences Tuesday night at Denver’s Paramount Theater.
Local favorite Gregory Alan Isakov played a solo opening set with tunes from his latest record, This Empty Northern Hemisphere.
Keb’ and his band took the stage at 9, starting with “Family Affair” and “Victims of Comfort.”
He took a few moments to mention that Hazel Miller was coming to down (information he received via a small flyer handed to him by the guitar tech) before the gentle “Hole In The Bucket.”
The evening was filled with harmless flirtations with members of the front row, “I want to leave Denver alive,” he joked, adding that he had someone at home that would kill him and take of half his stuff if he misbehaved.
Surveying the crowd he said, “It looks like every body’s here who said they was coming… Eileen called, that lady over there called and told me she was coming, but my voice box is full, so don’t call me no more.”
“Life is Beautiful” was dedicated to Eileen (who was celebrating her birthday) and Keb’ suggested that the crowd “shake your tail feathers a little bit” to “Government Cheese.”
“I hope this is worth you leaving your house,” he said before “Stand Up (and Be Strong).” “Otherwise somebody up here’s gonna have to take their clothes off or something. It won’t be none of us, don’t worry.”
Backed by Jeff Paris (mandolin, keyboard, harmonica), Les Falconer III (drums) and Reggie McBride (bass), Keb’ constantly highlighted their skills, “you love me because my band’s so good, they give you the illusion that I am great.”
Thanking KBCO for their help in “whatever success” he had managed to achieve Keb’ launched into “Shave Yo’ Legs” before “Remain Silent”, “Am I Wrong” and “She Just Wants To Dance.”
The encore, “Standing at the Station” again highlighted each band member with extended solos. After the last note, Keb’ and the rest of the band took several minutes to say goodbye to the audience, shaking hands and giving high fives.
More photos.
Set List
Family Affair
Victims of Comfort
Hole in the Bucket
I’m On Your Side
Life is Beautiful
Government Cheese
Stand Up (And Be Strong)
Dangerous Mood
More Than One Way Home
I’ll Be Your Water
Just Like You
Shave Yo’ Legs
Remain Silent
Am I Wrong
She Just Wants to Dance
Standing at the Station
Gregory Alan Isakov’s Set
Mercury
Virginia May
The Universe
Big Black Car
Great American
