Keb' Mo' - The Reflection - 2.0 CD review

When I first saw the title for Keb' Mo's latest release "The Reflection", I thought it was going to be a greatest hits collection. Clearly I was mistaken, instead it is a polished collection of R&B tunes primarily composed by the artist. His first studio release since the 2006 album "The Suitcase", the August 2011 album "The Reflection" is a self-produced work with twelve tracks that features collaborations with various artists, including India.Arie and Vince Gill, as well as contributions from Dave Koz, Marcus Miller, Mindi Abair, and world-renowned studio musician David T. Walker.

Even with all the featured artists, Mo’ handles or shares lead vocals on every track, taking on multiple roles on most, including playing lead guitar on the first eleven tracks, and also contributing drums and electric piano on occasion.

Times have evolved since his debut release in 1994, and Keb' Mo' has evolved too, shifting away from his down-home blues-folk roots in favor of a smooth soul style; the acoustic guitar is scarcely present in this collection, and the blues exert a subtler influence. Instead, lush arrangements and soulful performances define "The Reflection."

The album opens with "The Whole Enchilada", a smooth mid-tempo soul tune featuring tasteful bluesy guitar and laid-back funky rhythms. A strong bass line and vocals take center stage while layers of depth enrich the sound. "Inside Outside" picks up the tempo with a shuffle, showcasing the slick production with stylish backing vocals and subtle layers. The third track, "All the Way", slows it down while incorporating horns, though it lacks the edge that artists like Bruce Springsteen might bring. Mo' delves deeper on the title track "The Reflection", reminiscent of later-day Steely Dan - a fitting addition to a sultry lazy afternoon playlist.

The soul of "The Reflection" shines in their wonderful rendition of the old standard "Crush on You," featuring India Arie on vocals, and a silky rendition of the Eagles classic "One of these Nights," diverging significantly from the original. Vince Gill contributes to "My Baby's Tellin' Lies," co-writing and lending his vocals and trademark mandolin. "Just Lookin'" injects a bit more energy, while "Walk Through Fire," co-written by Melissa Manchester, slows things down again, with "Something Within" gently closing out the release.

Sonically, Keb' Mo' consistently delivers above-average recordings, and this album is no exception. The soundstage is well-balanced, allowing room for the various layers of instruments, with keyboards, horns, guitars, vocals, and drums all clear and full. However, one minor critique is that the bass and kick drum feel slightly elevated in the mix, a common trend in pop releases over the past decade.

Fans of Keb' Mo' will need to decide if they appreciate his exploration of new musical territory. While he handles the material adeptly, the significant departure from Mo’s earlier work may leave some fans grappling with the change.

Released August 2, 2011.

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 About the Author

Wesley is a lifelong music enthusiast. He started his career in the recording industry in New York City as an audio engineer, producer, and studio manager. Subsequently he toured across America as a guitarist with the short-lived band Land's Crossing. After many years in the technology sector and amassing a substantial vinyl and CD collection, he delved into immersive audio and created Hi-Res Edition to share with other listeners about the sound quality and discrete mixes available on many formats. He recently upgraded his system to 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos and continues to seek out and share about the best sounding releases.