Folk-funk Legend
Whether serving as bandleader or sideman, there's nary a genre Harlem-bred Taj Mahal hasn't covered in his winding career. He's collaborated with the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Muddy Waters and Ry Cooder and explored Caribbean, Latin, zydeco and jazz, all powered by his solid blues foundation.
I first came to know Mahal when I picked up 1988's Woody Guthrie/Leadbelly tribute album Folkways: A Vision Shared, and heard his spirited acoustic delivery of "Bourgeois Blues." Since then, his honest, highly effective approach to music has never ceased to amaze me.
"There is a lot of music that people do not get to hear, and it's unfortunate," he says, explaining why he prefers to work with small, independent labels. "It's because of marketing and the fact that somebody [at the record company] says you won't like this. But the people who come hear me get to hear everything I know about."
His willingness to extend his musical boundaries and work independently has paid off: He was honored with two Grammys for Best Contemporary Blues Album, one in 1997 (Señor Blues) and another in 2000 (Shoutin' in Key).
At his weeklong residence at The Blue Note, expect to be blown away as he performs in simple trio format, backed by Bill Rich (bass) and Kester Smith (drums).