Peace of mind

Bluesman Keb’ Mo’ remembers the 1960s as a tumultuous time in American history. But it was also a time when peace was seen as an effective response to violence. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter revisits some popular peace anthems of the ’60s and ’70s with his latest album, Peace…Back By Popular Demand. “My intention for this record is to be meaningful and relevant to what I am feeling in our own time,” Keb’ Mo’ says. “It started out as a collection of protest songs, but it evolved into an album about peace and freedom.” The album, released in 2004, features covers of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Happening, Brother” but also includes an original composition, “Talk,” which Keb’ Mo’ says he wrote in the days following Sept. 11, 2001. The blues guitarist, who was born Kevin Moore in Compton, Calif., began his music career playing with various artists, including Papa John Creach. He later took a job at A&M Records as a staff writer and demo producer. Eventually, he focused on making his own music and released his self-titled album in 1994. Ten albums later, Keb’ Mo’ continues to win fans over with his mix of traditional blues, R&B and jazz-pop. Keb’ Mo’ performs 8 p.m. March 3-4 at the Celebrity Showroom inside John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Tickets are $39. Call 356-3300.