Concert Review: Keb' Mo' (Carolina Theatre Of Durham)

BY MARK DOLEJS

Five-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’ came to Durham Tuesday night to play for a full house at the Carolina Theatre. The 74-year-old singer-songwriter brings a mix of blues, folk, Americana, and country to the stage. On this tour he is accompanied by his band.

Early in the show, Keb’ introduced his guitarist, Keb Hutchings. He then introduced himself saying, “Ain’t much to look at, but I’m lot of fun!” The band also includes Zachariah Witcher on bass, Casey Wasner on drums. Keyboardist Dane Farnsworth had some killer solos on several songs, including at the end of “Shave Yo’ Legs.”

Keb’ mentioned that Hutchings was his apprentice. Well, this guy has the skills down pat, and he ain’t playin’ around. He ripped several solos throughout the evening. He also played banjo and mandolin.

The night was filled with the crowd singing along to songs like “Oklahoma,” “Government Cheese,” and “Put a Woman in Charge,” a song that brought folks to their feet.

“Life is Beautiful” is a wonderful song, with Keb’ on acoustic guitar, that takes the listener into a world seen when that someone special is in your life. He introduced “Henry” as “a song about history, back to 1620, up to 2026, all the mess and all the good.”

My favorite song of the night was “This Is My Home.” This is a song, in part, about two people who come to this country to work and fall in love. It’s a quiet song, with Keb’ playing the acoustic guitar.

For several songs, back to back, Keb’ played a steel-bodied guitar called the National Reso Rocket. This sure is a pretty guitar, but the sound is even more impressive, or at least the sounds that he pulls out of it.

The night ended with the crowd on their feet, dancing and swaying in the aisles to “She Just Wants to Dance,” off his 1994 self titled album.

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MARK DOLEJS

Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

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