By: Rudy Lu

Taj Mahal has had more than 60 years as a professional musician and it is 59 years since his first recording. Still full of life, even though he had to be assisted entering and exiting the stage. Now 84, he has combined forces with the Phantom Blues Band to add another interpretation of familiar tunes and originals with the augmentation of 2 drummers, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and bass. This was in addition to his guitar, resonator, ukele and harmonica.

This band brought a heavy dose of R&B, Soul and Reggae to the sound.

Taj already incorporates these and other sounds from around the world to his performances. He has collaborated with musicians as diverse as Ry Cooder, Keb’Mo, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley & Ben Harper.As a result he has won 5 Grammies and is widely respected in the entire music community.

The 90 minute set included songs from across his entire career as well as stories. “Wild About My Loving”, “You Put The Whammy On Me” brought the influence of Carribean beats (Reggae & Calypso). Century old classics such as “Sitting On Top Of The World'(Missisippi Sheiks, Howling Wolf), “Midnight Special” (Leadbelly) were given more life by the heart and soul of the band. Electric blues were given their dues featuring Johnny Lee Schell on guitar with “Love Her With A Feeling”. Libby Cotton’s influential song that spawned an entire style of acoustic guitar playing (Cotton Picking) , this was given a sparse intro with the entire band minus horns joining in.

The horn section of Emily Dale and Les Lovitt was voiced to resemble the old Stax section from the 60s.

Jimmy Pugh tickled those keys like he has had with many of the blues elite, BB KIng, Robert Cray providing color and broad strokes for the vocals and guitar to shine.

Larry Fulcher played a phat bass and was a great supporting vocalist.

Exiting with a sing a long “Way Back Home”, Taj and band exited the stage.

Inspite of being of being rooted in the blues, Taj has vowed to play and sing only positive music . He certainly succeeded.

Musicians

Taj Mahal- guitar, resonator, ukele, harmonica, vocals

Larry Fulcher-Bass Guitar

Guitar- Johnny Lee Schell

Jimmy Pugh- Keyboards

Drummer-Brennan Temple

Percussion-Tony D.

Tenor sax- Emily Dale

Trumpet – Les Levitt

Photo Gallery