Taj Mahal - Like Never Before/Dancing the Blues

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 2 / 10 / 2017

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I first discovered the music of Taj Mahal through the 'Rock Machine' albums I bought and treasured in the late 1960s. This exotically named bluesman made a big impression with his 'Statesboro Blues' and 'Ain’t That a Lot of Love'. Back in those days I was already big fan of soul music and was discovering Chicago blues through bands like Electric Flag and Cream. Roll on the years and I was listening to music that came out of Africa, Malian blues and Moroccan rhythms. I was enthralled by Taj Mahal’s collaboration with Toumani Diabate, 'Kulanjan', as two master musicians explored the roots and branches of their music. As a musicologist and musical explorer Taj Mahal has always been open to collaborations. Interviewed by David Ritz for the sleeve notes on 'Dancing the Blues', he states his motivation as a musician. ‘Am I hip enough to please my ancestors? Am I strong enough to carry the light?’ These two albums include musicians from many different backgrounds, from the blue eyed soul of Daryl Hall and John Oates, the New Orleans sound of Dr John, the honky tonk piano of Ian McLagan of Small Faces fame, David Lindley, Sheryl Crow and members of Little Feat. There are songs by writers as diverse as Goffin and King, John Martyn and Howlin’ Wolf. Suddenly the connections are there, created by Taj Mahal’s distinctive vocals and soulful blues. All these collaborators, whether guest artists or songwriters, have a love of blues and soul music in their own histories and influences. These two albums take us back in time but there’s nothing dated about the music. A track like 'Scattered' on 'Like Never Before' could have been recorded this year, with its reggae and African influences. His cover versions on the first CD are so individual, John Martyn’s 'Love Up', and Goffin and King’s 'Take a Giant Step' are made new through his interpretations. On CD 2, 'Dancing The Blues', there’s a feast of soul and blues covers including Fats Domino’s 'Going to the River', Charles and Inez Foxx’s 'Mockingbird' (with Etta James sharing the vocals!), the Four Tops' 'I Can’t Help Myself' and Howlin Wolf’s 'Sitting On Top of the World'. This is a great set of CDs reminding us of the legacy of a remarkable musician. It’s wonderful to know that he is still making music and seeking collaborations. Looking back at the sleeve notes, Taj Mahal sums it up better than I can. ‘I don’t want nostalgia, I want right now! When I hear this stuff, I know in my heart how good it is – good in 1993, and believe me, brother, it’s gonna be just as good in 2093 and 3093. This is the music of the heart, soul and spirit, universal music that is forever.’

Track Listing:-

1 Don't Call Us
2 River Of Love
3 Scattered
4 Ev'ry Wind (In The River)
5 Blues With A Feeling
6 Squat That Rabbit
7 Take All The Time You Need
8 Love Up
9 Cakewalk Into Town
10 Big Legged Mommas Are Back In Style
11 Take A Giant Step
12 Blues Ain't Nothin'
13 Hard Way
14 Strut
15 Mockingbird
16 Blue Light Boogie
17 The Hoochi Coochi Coo
18 That's How Strong My Love Is
19 Down Home Girl
20 Stranger In My Home Town
21 Sittin On Top Of The World
22 I'm Ready
23 I Can't Help Myself

Band Links:-

http://www.tajblues.com/

Label Links:-

http://www.floatingworldrecords.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/floating.worldrecords
https://twitter.com/floatingwrecord

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