KEB MO BIG WIDE GRIN
Released: 2001
Label: Sony 
Format: Mp3@320
Time: 48:26


Big Wide Grin was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Musical Album For Children.

Blessed with a rich singing voice, fleet fingers, and a laid-back delivery, Mo' delivers clever arrangements of R&B favorites by The O'Jays (a twangy "Love Train"), Sly & The Family Stone (a casually swinging "Family Affair"), and Bill Withers (a loping "Grandma's Hands"). In keeping with the familial theme, the Compton native addresses topics including adoption (the heartfelt Brenda Russell duet "I Am Your Mother Too"), love for a step-parent ("Color Him Father"), and thankfulness for a blessed life (a Bonnie Raitt-like "Infinite Eyes"). Goosing along this occasionally weighty collection are a few instances of Keb' Mo' loosening up, particularly on a jumping version of Slim Gaillard's jive classic "The Flat Foot Floogie" and a playful duet with son Kevin Jr. on Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi."

Recorded at Groove Masters Studio and Sony Studios, Santa Monica, California; A Cut Above Studio, Ventura, California; House Of Blues Studio, Encino, California.

1. Everybody Be Yoself - 5:00
2. Love Train - 4:29
3. Don't Say No - 4:17
4. Infinite Eyes - 4:57
5. Grandma's Hands - 3:30
6. Color Him Father - 3:36
7. Family Affair - 3:47
8. The Flat Fleet Floogie - 2:04
9. I Am Your Mother Too - 4:04
10. Big Yellow Taxi - 3:45
11. Isn't She Lovely - 5:16
12. America The Beautiful - 3:35

Personnel: Keb' Mo' - Banjo, Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals, )
Gerald Albright - Sax (Alto) Luis Conte - Percussion
Robert Hurst - Bass (Upright) Greg Leisz - Pedal Steel, Mandola
Danilo Lozano - Flute  Kevin McCormick - Bass
Roy McCurdy, Laval Belle, Sergio González - Drums
Leo Nocentelli Guitar  Randy Phillips, Perla Batalla, Alex Brown, Bobette Harrison-Jamison, Phillip Ingram - Vocals (bckgr)