Peace...Back By Popular Demand
The velvety voiced Mo' shifts away from his usual matters of the heart to matters of the world on this disc of predominantly covers. He has also abandoned his bluesier roots in favor of a slicker, jazz-based pop. The result is a protest album for the double-latte crowd, most of whom can hum along to chestnuts from theRascals("People Got to be Free"),John Lennon("Imagine"), andBob Dylan("The Times They Are A-Changin'"). While a jaunty banjo- and fiddle-flecked version of theNick Lowe-penned "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" (popularized byElvis Costello) uses a questionable rearrangement to convey the song's message, Mo' really connects when he raids the soul vaults for tunes byMarvin Gaye,Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes, andDonny Hathaway. It's a pleasant, subtle, and always professionally performed detour that's as comfy as a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day.--Hal Horowitz