Singer-songwriters whose idiosyncratic approach to music has won them increasingly large audiences, Keb Mo and Mason Jennings showcase the guitar in two of its most basic states: free-flowing blues and pared-down folk. The two recently appeared on WFPK in Louisville, Ky., as part of WXPN's Live Fridays concert series.
A three-time Grammy winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album -- in 2005, 1999 and 1997 -- Keb Mo's unique blend of outside-the-12-bar-blues and pop makes his studio albums highly anticipated by his fans. His last album, comprising covers of popular 1960s and '70s protest songs,
Keb Mo's upcoming release, Suitcase was produced with longtime collaborator John Porter (B.B. King, Los Lonely Boys, Santana). With his variegated style and crossover appeal, Keb Mo puts on live shows known for their range and intensity.
Mason Jennings is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter who sings catchy folk-pop songs over an acoustic guitar. Self-releasing his first four albums, he has sold over 100,000 copies with the help of a Bar/None Records distribution deal. His music also caught the ear of Isaac Brock, the frontman of Modest Mouse, who promptly signed him to his own record label.
Jennings' new album, Boneclouds, was produced with Noah Georgeson, who has also worked with Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom. Boneclouds, recorded at Minnesota's venerable Pachyderm Studio, features Chris Morrissey on bass and Dave King (of The Bad Plus) on drums.
Copyright 2006 XPN
