Keb' Mo' Releases First Ever Christmas Album

By Hallels News Nov 06, 2019 11:08 PM EST

With an iconic career spanning over a quarter of a century, four-time GRAMMY Award-winning contemporary blues and Americana artist, Keb' Mo' has released his first-ever holiday album, Moonlight, Mistletoe & You, via Concord Records. The 10-track album, produced by Keb' himself and recorded by Zach Allen at Stu Stu Studio in Franklin, TN, is now available here: https://found.ee/KebMo_MMY

Following the release of Keb's critically acclaimed and deeply thought-provoking album, Oklahoma, the prolific musician celebrates the holidays with a collection of songs so truly unique and soulful, it could only be from Keb' Mo'. His master skills as a songwriter are in full effect here, penning honest (and hilarious) observations that speak to the real feelings of the holiday season. It's the authenticity we come to expect from his music, now with yuletide greetings and bluesy cheer.

Relix has the track premiere for "Better Everyday" here: https://found.ee/KebMo_MMYRelix

Moonlight, Mistletoe & You also highlights Keb's diverse musical background, using his "uncanny ability to paint a musical kaleidoscope and offer a range of styles and sounds that appeal to a wide audience," (Ink19). The album is an eclectic mix that is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts and makes the perfect gift for that special someone, as well as a must-have in your holiday music collection.

The album kicks off with Keb' putting his spin on the soulful 1960 classic by Charles Brown, "Please Come Home for Christmas". Covered by countless artists since, Keb' takes his cues from the soulful original, breathing a bluesy, optimistic sensibility into the tune and giving it a warm sense of hope that starts the album with style.

On the title track, "Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" Keb' gifts us a beautiful new holiday standard, reminding us to slow down during the hectic December month to spend time with loved ones. Co-written with Adam Ollendorff (known for his work with Kacey Musgraves) and featuring the musings of Gerald Albright, the lush and sweeping song has a timeless sound and sentimentality. Although it's been said many times, many ways, this is truly a new Christmas classic.

But what's a Keb' Mo' album without a healthy dose of the blues? Covering the Queen of Blues herself, Koko Taylor, on "Merry Merry Christmas" Keb' delivers one of his world class guitar solos over a churning backbeat, creating an electrifying track so original you'll forget it's a cover. St. Louis blues legend Charley Jordan is honored with a new interpretation of his 1931 song, "Santa Claus Blues", re-imagined by Keb' with a modern twist, while staying true to the rural roots of the original.

One of the album standouts is the wildly amusing and honest, "Christmas Is Annoying", a poignant reminiscing of all the things that make the holiday season both good and bad. Only Keb' could write such a cheery, "bah-humbug" song about the Christmas spirit and the always-maddening events that come with it. It's something everyone can relate to and who hasn't let their inner Scrooge shine, if only for a bit, with maxed out credit cards and "no time to relax"?

Elsewhere on the album, Keb' brings an elegant flair to the Mildred Bailey classic, "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm". The swingy, jazz-influenced track fits perfectly with its tender-hearted back-and-forth featuring the distinctive voice of Melissa Manchester. "When the Children Sing" is a heartwarming tune with Nashville's own NIA House Montessori School Choir, as Keb' recounts the innocence of the holidays as a child while growing up in Compton, CA.

Paying homage to the traditional swing-setting sounds of Sinatra before him, the album closes with the orchestral-infused "One More Year with You," sounding just like the classic Christmas records recorded in Capitol Studio A from days of yore. It's a romantic and touching end to his collection of songs and ties a beautiful bow on the holiday season.

The celebration doesn't stop with just with the album - Keb' is set to embark on the Jingle Bell Jamboree, an exclusive holiday tour featuring songs off Moonlight, Mistletoe & You, as well as surprises and fun for the entire family. For a complete list of shows, please visit www.kebmo.com.

We know you're making a list (and checking it twice), so make sure this album is at the top of yours.

Moonlight, Mistletoe & You track listing: