Henry St Clair Fredericks
b. May 17th, 1942 in New York (New York)
RISING SONS
Columbia
September 1965 - May 1966
Ainé d'une famille de neuf enfants, il a des origines jamaicaines et antillaises. Il grandit à Springfield (Massachusets) où il grandit dans un environnement musical (son père est arrangeur de jazz). Dès l'enfance, Taj apprend la musique et maitrise plusieurs instruments. Il forme son premier groupe - The Elektras - pendant ses études puis domicilié à Boston, il forme un duo folk avec Jesse Lee Kincaid. En Californie, il rencontre le jeune guitariste Ry Cooder et Ed Cassidy (futur batteur de Spirit) et forme avec eux The Rising Sons. Les trois musiciens et leur producteur Terry Melcher recrutent aussi Gary Marker et Kevin Kelley. Ils gravent une poignée de titres durant leur existence éphémère mais seulement un simple voit le jour. Avec ce CD paru en 1992, on dispose d'une meilleure idée de la musique des Rising Sons, mélange de Blues, Country et Folk dont les meilleurs moments semblent être "Statesboro blues", "Candy man", "2.10 train", "The devil's got my woman", "Take a giant step", "Flyin' so high", "Dust my broom".
The eldest of a family of nine children, he has jamaican and caribbean origins. He grew up in Springfield (Massachusetts) where he grew up in a musical environment (his father is a jazz arranger). From childhood, Taj learned music and mastered several instruments. He formed his first group - The Elektras - during his studies then resided in Boston, he formed a folk duo with Jesse Lee Kincaid. In California, he met the young guitarist Ry Cooder and Ed Cassidy (future drummer of Spirit) and formed with them The Rising Sons. The three musicians and their producer Terry Melcher also recruit Gary Marker and Kevin Kelley. They cut a handful of titles during their ephemeral existence but only one single sees the light of day. With this CD released in 1992, we have a better idea of the Rising Sons music, a mix of Blues, Country and Folk of which the best moments seem to be "Statesboro blues", "Candy man", "2.10 train", "The devil's got my woman", "Take a giant step", "Flyin' so high", "Dust my broom".
RISING SONS
Groucho
1966
TAJ MAHAL
Columbia
August - November 1967
Après les Rising Sons, Taj Mahal entame une carrière en leader pour Columbia sous la supervision du producteur David Rubinson. Il conserve ce style entre Folk, Blues et Rock pour son premier album studio. Il s'entoure de superbes guitaristes comme lui - Ry Cooder, Jesse Edwin Davis (un guitariste d'origine Kiowa) et Bill Boatman - et de solides musiciens rythmiques (James Thomas, Sanford Konikoff, Gary Gilmore, Charles "Chuck" Blackwell). Ses superbes reprises de titres de Blues traditionnel revisités avec un tempo parfois Rock apparaissent très abouties : "Leaving trunk", "Statesboro blues", "Diving duck blues" et surtout le remarquable "The celebrated walkin' blues".
After the Rising Sons, Taj Mahal began a career as a leader for Columbia under the supervision of producer David Rubinson. He keeps this style between Folk, Blues and Rock for his first studio album. He surrounds himself with superb guitarists like himself - Ry Cooder, Jesse Edwin Davis (a guitarist of Kiowa origin) and Bill Boatman - and strong rhythmic musicians (James Thomas, Sanford Konikoff, Gary Gilmore, Charles "Chuck" Blackwell). His superb covers of traditional Blues songs revisited with a sometimes tempo Rock appear very achieved : "Leaving trunk", "Statesboro blues", "Diving duck blues" and especially the remarkable "The celebrated walkin' blues".
THE NATCH'L BLUES
Columbia
May - October 1968
Pour ce second album, Taj Mahal continue son exploration du Blues traditionnel (et un peu de Soul à la fin du programme) avec une empreinte Rock moins marquée que sur l'album précédent. Superbe chanteur, brillant guitariste et harmoniciste, Taj est accompagné de Jesse Ed Davis, Gary Gilmore et Charles "Chuck" Blackwell. On note aussi l'apparition d'Al Kooper sur trois morceaux. Feeling, décontraction, inspiration, une merveilleuse réussite : "I ain't gonna let nobody steal my jelly roll", "Going up to the country paint my mailbox blue", "Done changed my way of living", "You don't miss your water", "A lot of love".
For this second album, Taj Mahal continues his exploration of traditional Blues (and a bit of Soul at the end of the program) with a less marked Rock print than on the previous album. A superb singer, brilliant guitarist and harmonica player, Taj is accompanied by Jesse Ed Davis, Gary Gilmore and Charles "Chuck" Blackwell. We also note the appearance of Al Kooper on three tracks. Feeling, relaxed atmosphere, inspiration, a wonderful achievement : "I ain't gonna let nobody steal my jelly roll", "Going up to the country paint my mailbox blue", "Done changed my way of living", "You don't miss your water", "A lot of love".
ROCK 'N ROLL CIRCUS
ABKCO
December 1968
Les Rolling Stones invitèrent Taj Mahal à se produire dans leur fameuse émission télévisée "Rock 'n Roll Circus". Sur ce CD, il donne une puissante version de "Ain't that a lot of love" avec son groupe régulier.
The Rolling Stones invited Taj Mahal to perform on their famous TV show "Rock 'n Roll Circus". On this CD he gives a powerful version of "Ain't that a lot of love" with his regular band.
IN PROGRESS & IN MOTION
Columbia
December 1968 / June 1969 / July 1971 / April 1972 / 1973 / 1990
LIVE AT BILL GRAHAM'S FILLMORE WEST
Columbia
January 1969
Aux côtés de Mike Bloomfield et Nick Gravenites, Taj Mahal chante une longue version de "One more mile to go".
Alongside Mike Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites, Taj Mahal sings a long version of "One more mile to go".
GIANT STEP / DE OLE FOLKS AT HOME
Columbia
June 1969
En fait, il y a deux albums (et deux pochettes) en un. Toujours sous la supervision de David Rubinson, Taj Mahal délivre un disque en deux parties. La première partie - électrique - mêle comme d'habitude Folk et Blues avec des éléments Rock avec son groupe régulier. La seconde partie - acoustique - présente Taj seul jouant guitare, banjo et harmonica plongeant aux racines Folk-Blues. Le programme apparait moins intense que sur ses deux premiers albums, peut être un peu trop appliqué. Néanmoins, on trouve de superbes moments comme "Give your woman what she wants", "Six days on the road", "You're gonna need somebody on your bond", "Linin' track", "Candy man", "Fishing blues" et une remarquable reprise de "Good morning little schoolgirl".
In fact, there are two albums (and two covers) in one. Still under the supervision of David Rubinson, Taj Mahal delivers a two-part record. The first part - electric - mixes as usual Folk and Blues with Rock elements with his regular group. The second part - acoustic - presents Taj alone playing guitar, banjo and harmonica plunging into Folk-Blues roots. The program appears less intense than on his first two albums, maybe a little too applied. Nevertheless, we find great moments like "Give your woman what she wants", "Six days on the road", "You're gonna need somebody on your bond", "Linin' track", "Candy man", "Fishing blues" and a remarkable cover of "Good morning little schoolgirl".
THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF TAJ MAHAL
Columbia
1969 - 1973
Ce double CD est constitué uniquement de titres inédits de Taj Mahal. Une séance avec Jim Dickinson et ses Dixie Flyers, quelques morceaux produits par Allen Toussaint à la Nouvelle Orléans et d'autres provenant de différentes séances. On trouve également un concert au Royal Albert Hall sur le deuxième CD. On retient "Chainey Do", la bouillante version de "Tomorrow may not be your day", le sublime instrumental "Ain't gwine whistle dixie" pleine de feeling, le puissant "You ain't no streetwalker honey but I do love the way you strut your stuff". Le concert offre aussi de beaux moments intenses ("Big fat", "Tomorrow may not be your day") et quelques longueurs.
This double CD consists only of unreleased tracks by Taj Mahal. A session with Jim Dickinson and his Dixie Flyers, some songs produced by Allen Toussaint in New Orleans and others from different sessions. There is also a concert at the Royal Albert Hall on the second CD. We can point out "Chainey Do", the hot version of "Tomorrow may not be your day", the sublime instrumental "Ain't gwine whistle dixie" full of feeling, the powerful "You ain't no streetwalker honey but I do love the way you strut your stuff". The concert also offers beautiful intense moments ("Big fat", "Tomorrow may not be your day") and some lengths.
TAJ'S BLUES
Columbia
Early 70's
Dans cette compilation, on trouve un titre inédit dans lequel Taj joue seul à la guitare ("East bay woman") datant probablement du début des années 70.
In this compilation, we find an unreleased track in which Taj plays alone on guitar ("East bay woman") probably dating from the beginning of the 70's.
THE REAL THING
Columbia
February 1971
Concert enregistré au Fillmore East dans lequel Taj est accompagné de son groupe régulier agrémenté d'une section tubas (Howard Johnson, Joseph Daley, Bob Stewart, Earle Mac Intyre) et d'un percussioniste (Kwasi "Rocky" Dzidzornu). Chaude atmosphère festive avec des moments pleins de feeling comme "You're going to need somebody on your bond", "Diving duck blues", "John ain't it hard", "She caught the katy and left me a mule to ride" et bien sûr le final ébouriffant : les dix huit minutes de "You ain't no streetwalker mama honey but I do love the way you strut your stuff".
Concert recorded at the Fillmore East in which Taj is accompanied by his regular band with a tuba section (Howard Johnson, Joseph Daley, Bob Stewart, Earle Mac Intyre) and a percussionist (Kwasi "Rocky" Dzidzornu). Warm festive atmosphere with moments full of feeling like "You're going to need somebody on your bond", "Diving duck blues", "John ain't it hard", "She caught the katy and left me a mule to ride" and of course the breathtaking finale : the eighteen minutes of "You ain't no streetwalker mama honey but I do love the way you strut your stuff".
FILLMORE : THE LAST DAYS
Columbia
Warner Bros
June 1971
Dans cette anthologie consacrée aux derniers concerts donnés dans les salles Fillmore East / West de Bill Graham, on trouve une longue jam-session qui rassemble Taj Mahal, Boz Scaggs, Elvin Bishop et Michael Shrieve entre autres.
In this anthology devoted to the last concerts given in the Fillmore East / West halls of Bill Graham, we find a long jam-session which brings together Taj Mahal, Boz Scaggs, Elvin Bishop and Michael Shrieve among others.
HAPPY TO BE JUST LIKE I AM
Columbia
April - July 1971
De nouveau avec son ensemble de tubas emmené par Howard Johnson, le percussioniste Kwasi "Rocky" Dzidzornu, Taj Mahal poursuit son exploration entre Folk, Blues et Rock. Dans cette tracklist très consistante, on retient les superbes "Stealin'" qui rend hommage au Blues traditionnel et aussi "West Indian revelation", "Black spirit boogie".
Again with his tuba ensemble led by Howard Johnson, percussionist Kwasi "Rocky" Dzidzornu, Taj Mahal continues his exploration between Folk, Blues and Rock. In this very consistent tracklist, we retain the superb "Stealin'" which pays homage to traditional Blues and also "West Indian revelation", "Black spirit boogie".
BIG SUR FESTIVAL
Columbia
September 1971
THE MAIN POINT
Echoes
March 1972
Bandes radiophoniques relatant un concert de mars 1972. La qualité sonore n'est pas très bonne et le programme un peu long. Taj Mahal joue seul. On peut préférer l'album suivant "Recycling the blues" infiniment supérieur.
Radio tapes capturing a concert in march 1972. The sound quality is not very good and the program a bit long. Taj Mahal plays alone. We can prefer the next album "Recycling the blues" infinitely superior.
RECYCLING THE BLUES
Columbia
April 1972
Album mi-live, mi-studio. Sur les parties live au Winterland de San Francisco, Taj Mahal est seul sur scène avec sa guitare ou son banjo délivrant un bon blues comme "Bound to love me some" ou une trépidante partie de banjo dans "Ricochet". Dans la partie studio, on retient une sympathique reprise de "Sweet home Chicago" et aussi "Texas woman blues", deux morceaux avec l'accompagnement vocal des Pointer Sisters.
Half-live, half-studio album. On the live parts at Winterland in San Francisco, Taj Mahal is alone on stage with his guitar or his banjo delivering a good blues like "Bound to love me some" or a hectic banjo part in "Ricochet". In the studio part, we retain a nice cover of "Sweet home Chicago" and also "Texas woman blues", two tracks with vocal accompaniment of the Pointer Sisters.
SOUNDER : ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Columbia
1972
Taj Mahal a écrit la musique de cet excellent film réalisé par Martin Ritt (il joue aussi un rôle dans le film). Celle-ci essentiellement composée de titres très courts pour les besoins du film n'est pas facile à écouter. Dans son registre habituel entre Folk et Blues, Taj y apparait tour à tour seul à la guitare, au banjo, à l'harmonica et au fifre. Un disque à conseiller aux fans confirmés.
Taj Mahal wrote the music for this excellent film directed by Martin Ritt (he also plays a role in the film). This one, mainly composed of very short titles for the purposes of the film, is not easy to listen to. In his usual style between Folk and Blues, Taj appears alone on guitar, banjo, harmonica and fife. A record to recommend to confirmed fans.
OOOH SO GOOD 'N BLUES
Columbia
March 1973
Nouvel album acoustique après "Recycling the blues" et "Sounder", Taj continue dans son style Folk-Blues dépouillé. De remarquables blues repris avec goût comme "Frankie and Albert", "Dust my broom", "Built for comfort" (où Taj s'asseoit derrière le piano). On note aussi la belle participation des Pointer Sisters sur une poignée de titres.
New acoustic album after "Recycling the blues" and "Sounder", Taj continues in his stripped down Folk-Blues style. Remarkable blues covered with taste like "Frankie and Albert", "Dust my broom", "Built for comfort" (where Taj sits behind the piano). We also note the beautiful participation of the Pointer Sisters on a handful of tracks.
MO' ROOTS
Columbia
April 1974
Cette fois, Taj continue son exploration musicale en abordant la musique des Caraïbes et en particulier le Reggae. Une tentative réussie avec de bons morceaux comme "Johnny too bad", "Black Jack Davey" et la reprise de "Slave driver" de Bob Marley. On trouve aussi une petite incursion dans la Soul avec l'excellent "Big mama".
This time, Taj continues his musical exploration by approaching Caribbean music and in particular Reggae. A successful attempt with good songs like "Johnny too bad", "Black Jack Davey" and the cover of Bob Marley's "Slave driver". There is also a little foray into Soul with the excellent "Big mama".
ULTRASONIC STUDIOS
Keyhole
October 1974
Bandes live issues d'une retransmission radiophonique de 1974 à Long Island. Bonne qualité sonore pour ce concert inégal qui comprend également une interview de l'artiste. Il n'y a aucune information sur le nom des musiciens. Uniquement pour les fans confirmés.
Live tapes from a 1974 radio broadcast in Long Island. Good sound quality for this uneven concert which also includes an interview with the artist. There is no information on the names of the musicians. Only for confirmed fans.
MUSIC KEEPS ME TOGETHER
Columbia
1975
L'album brasse beaucoup d'influences - reggae, jazz, musiques caribéennes, blues, funk - et peine à trouver son style. Le programme manque cruellement d'unité et de flamme. On note les participations d'Earl "Wire" Lindo (claviériste de Bob Marley) et de sa soeur Carole Fredericks.
The album mixes a lot of influences - reggae, jazz, caribbean music, blues, funk - and struggles to find his style. The program is sorely lacking in unity and flame. We note the participation of Earl "Wire" Lindo (Bob Marley's keyboardist) and his sister Carole Fredericks.
SATISFIED 'N TICKLED TOO
Columbia
1976
Comme pour l'album précédent, Taj Mahal mixe de nombreuses influences musicales. Pourtant, le matériel semble plus inspiré et convaincant : "Satisfied 'n tickled too" (repris à "Mississippi" John Hurt), "New E-Z rider", "Black man brown man" et la longue ballade Rhythm & Blues "Baby love". De son union avec Inshirah Geter en janvier 1976, il aura six enfants dont Deva Mahal et Ahmen Mahal (alias Imon Starr) qui poursuivent une carrière musicale. Il fut auparavant marié à Anna De Leon avec laquelle il a eu Aya De Leon (devenue romancière).
As for the previous album, Taj Mahal mixes many musical influences. However, the material seems more inspired and convincing : "Satisfied 'n tickled too" (covered from "Mississippi" John Hurt), "New E-Z rider", "Black man brown man" and the Rhythm & Blues long ballad "Baby love". From his union with Inshirah Geter in january 1976, he will have six children including Deva Mahal and Ahmen Mahal (alias Imon Starr) who pursue a musical career. He was previously married to Anna De Leon with whom he had Aya De Leon (now novelist).
MUSIC FUH YA
Warner Bros
1976
Après une dizaine d'années passées chez Columbia, Taj s'associe en 1976 avec Warner Bros. Pour ce premier album avec ce nouveau label, il reprend son exploration musicale des musiques caribéennes. Mais le programme manque d'inspiration et apparait un peu ennuyeux.
After ten years at Columbia, Taj joined forces in 1976 with Warner Bros. For this first album with this new label, he resumes his musical exploration of caribbean rhythms. But the program lacks inspiration and seems a bit boring.
MARIPOSA 1976
Mariposa Folk Festival
June 1976
BROTHERS : ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Warner Bros
August 1976
Taj Mahal a composé la bande originale de ce film réalisé par Arthur Barron. Une tracklist très inégale avec quelques rares bons moments comme "Funky butt", "Brothers doin' time".
Taj Mahal composed the soundtrack for this film directed by Arthur Barron. A very uneven tracklist with some rare good moments like "Funky butt", "Brothers doin' time".
SING A HAPPY SONG
Rhino
Wounded Bird
February 1977
EVOLUTION (THE MOST RECENT)
Warner Bros
1977
Pour ce dernier disque chez Warner Bros, Taj se montre toujours marqué par les rythmes caribéens dans la continuité directe de ses précédents albums. Un programme correct sans surprise qui plaira surtout aux fans confirmés de l'artiste. On note la participation de Leon Pendarvis.
For this last album for Warner Bros, Taj always shows himself marked by the caribbean rhythms in the direct continuity of his previous albums. A decent program without surprise which will especially appeal to confirmed fans of the artist. We note the participation of Leon Pendarvis.
AT THE NEW MORNING BLUES FESTIVAL
Cat
Intercord
March - April 1979
Seul avec sa guitare ou au piano, Taj Mahal apparait sur une scène de Genève pour deux beaux blues.
Alone with his guitar or on piano, Taj Mahal appears on a Geneva stage for two beautiful blues.
LIVE AND DIRECT
Crystal Clear
Ultragroove
Laserlight
May 1979
THE GREAT HUDSON RIVER REVIVAL vol.1
Flying Fish
June 1979
THE RISING SUN COLLECTION
Just a Memory
SUGAR MAMA BLUES
Justin Time
July 1980
IT'S ALL MUSIC
Great Electric
1982
ABOVE SUSPICION
Great Electric
November 1982 - March 1983
CONJURE : MUSIC FOR THE TEXTS OF ISHMAEL REED
American Clavé
Pangea
August - October 1983
Les textes du poète et écrivain Ishmael Reed mis en musiques par Taj Mahal, Olu Dara, Allen Toussaint, David Murray. Taj chante sur la plupart des titres de cet excellent disque entre Jazz et Soul. "Je's grew", "The wardrobe master of paradise", "Betty Ball's blues" sont de superbes moments de feeling. Production de Kip Hanrahan pour son label American Clavé.
The texts of the poet and writer Ishmael Reed put to music by Taj Mahal, Olu Dara, Allen Toussaint, David Murray. Taj sings on most of the songs of this excellent album between Jazz and Soul. "Je's grew", "The wardrobe master of paradise", "Betty Ball's blues" are superb moments of feeling. Production by Kip Hanrahan for his own label American Clavé.
TAJ
Gramavision
October - November 1985
Disque surproduit pour le label new-yorkais Gramavision. Malgré la présence de remarquables musiciens, le programme semble trop préparé, trop calibré et manque de spontanéité. On retient néanmoins le bon "Do I love her".
Overproduced record for the New York label Gramavision. Despite the presence of remarkable musicians, the program seems too prepared, too calibrated and lacks spontaneity. We nevertheless point out the good "Do I love her".
SHAKE SUGAREE
Music for Little People
July - September 1988
BEN & JERRY'S NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL '88 LIVE
Alcazar
August 1988
BEN & JERRY'S NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL '88 LIVE vol.2 : MEMENTOS
Alcazar
August 1988
A VISION SHARED
CBS
Columbia
1988
Une excellente reprise de "Bourgeois blues" en hommage à Leadbelly avec le mandoliniste Ralph Rinzler.
An excellent cover of "Bourgeois blues" in homage to Leadbelly with the mandolinist Ralph Rinzler.
BIG BLUES
DRG
Castle Communications
LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTT'S
Silver Line
September 1988
AMERICAN CHILDREN
Alacazam
1989
THE HOT SPOT
Antilles
May 1990
Bande son du film réalisé par Dennis Hopper. La cohésion entre Taj Mahal, John Lee Hooker, Miles Davis et Roy Rogers fonctionne assez bien et débouche sur de très bons moments comme "Bank robbery" ou "Blackmail". Production de Jack Nitzsche.
Soundtrack of the film directed by Dennis Hopper. The cohesion between Taj Mahal, John Lee Hooker, Miles Davis and Roy Rogers works quite well and leads to very good moments like "Bank robbery" or "Blackmail". Production by Jack Nitzsche.
BRER RABBIT AND THE WONDERFUL TAR BABY
Windham Hill
1990
MULE BONE
Gramavision
January 1991
Pour ce second album chez Gramavision, Taj Mahal adapte les textes de Langston Hughes et Zora Neale Hurston. Le style est presqu'entièrement tourné vers le Blues. Un album inspiré qui fait preuve de simplicité, globalement très plaisant.
For this second album on Gramavision, Taj Mahal adapts texts by Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. The style is almost entirely turned towards Blues. An inspired album which shows simplicity, overall very pleasant.
LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Private Music
1991
Pour une fois, Taj Mahal n'est pas son propre producteur (ici il s'agit de Skip Drinkwater). Pour le label Private Music de Peter Baumann, il ouvre encore ici grandes les portes de son inspiration empruntant au Jazz, Blues et musiques caribéennes et d'autres influences plus modernes. Un opus très sympathique mais très hétérogène. On remarque "Every wind in the river" et "Cakewalk into town" deux morceaux avec Dr John, et un bon blues dépouillé "Blues with a feeling" uniquement accompagné de la lap-steel guitare de Sonny Rhodes.
For once, Taj Mahal is not his own producer (here it is Skip Drinkwater). For the Private Music label of Peter Baumann, he opens again here large the doors of his inspiration borrowing from Jazz, Blues and Caribbean music and other more modern influences. A very nice but very heterogeneous opus. We notice "Every wind in the river" and "Cakewalk into town" two tracks with Dr John, and a good stripped blues "Blues with a feeling" only accompanied by the lap-steel guitar of Sonny Rhodes.
PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL : 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Sliced Bread
August 1992
SMILIN' ISLAND OF SONG
Music for Little People
1992
Album pour les enfants pour le label spécialisé Music for Little People (appartenant à Rounder). Taj Mahal joue et chante ici aux côtés de Cadella Marley Booker (la mère de Bob Marley). Très sympathique avec une musique entre Reggae, Calypso et autres influences caribéennes.
Album for children for the specialized label Music for Little People (owned by Rounder). Taj Mahal performs and sings here alongside Cadella Marley Booker (the mother of Bob Marley). Very nice with music between Reggae, Calypso and other Caribbean influences.
AN EVENING OF ACOUSTIC MUSIC
Ruf
October 1993
Concert enregistré pour une radio allemande. Taj y joue seul différents instruments (guitare, piano, banjo), accompagné sur certaines pistes par Howard Johnson. Un programme acoustique un peu long avec de bons moments comme "Dust my broom", "Big legged mamas are back in style again", "Satisfied 'n tickled too".
Concert recorded for a german radio station. Taj plays there alone on various instruments (guitar, piano, banjo), accompanied on some tracks by Howard Johnson. A bit long acoustic program with good moments like "Dust my broom", "Big legged mamas are back in style again", "Satisfied 'n tickled too".
FOLLOW THE DRINKING GOURD
Rabbit Ears
1993
DANCING THE BLUES
Private Music
1993
Toujours pour le label Private Music, Taj Mahal est placé cette fois sous la supervision du producteur John Porter. Il s'agit d'un véritable retour au Blues / Rhythm & Blues avec force et inspiration. Des compositions personnelles percutantes comme "Blues ain't nothin'" et "Strut" et des reprises convaincantes comme "Mockingbird" en duo avec Etta James, "Down home girl", "Sitting on top of the world", "I'm ready".
Still for the Private Music label, Taj Mahal is this time under the supervision of producer John Porter. This is a real return to Blues / Rhythm & Blues with strength and inspiration. Hard-hitting personal compositions like "Blues ain't nothin'" and "Strut" and convincing covers like "Mockingbird" in duet with Etta James, "Down home girl", "Sitting on top of the world", "I'm ready".
MUMTAZ MAHAL
Water Lily
April 1994
Toujours désireux de s'ouvrir à d'autres genres musicaux, Taj est ici associé à deux musiciens indiens N. Ravikiran et V.M. Bhatt. Ils donnent notamment des reprises de "Come on in my kitchen" et "Stand by me" plutôt déconcertantes, mélanges de Blues et de musique traditionnelle indienne.
Always eager to open up to other musical genres, Taj is here associated with two indian musicians N. Ravikiran and V.M. Bhatt. They notably give covers of "Come on in my kitchen" and "Stand by me" rather disconcerting, mixtures of Blues and traditional Indian music.
PHANTOM BLUES
Private Music
May 1995
Second disque produit par John Porter après l'excellent "Dancing the blues". Essentiellement composé de reprises - mais parfaitement choisies et rendues avec inspiration - cet album se range parmi les meilleures réussites de Taj Mahal. "Cheatin' on you", "Here in the dark" (avec Eric Clapton), "I need your loving", "Ooh poo pah doo", "Let the four winds blow" (avec David Hidalgo et Myrick "Freeze" Guillory) figurent parmi les bons moments du programme. A noter aussi la remarquable participation de Jon Cleary aux claviers sur l'ensemble du disque.
Second album produced by John Porter after the excellent "Dancing the blues". Mainly composed of covers - but perfectly chosen and rendered with inspiration - this album ranks among the best achievements of Taj Mahal. "Cheatin' on you", "Here in the dark" (with Eric Clapton), "I need your loving", "Ooh poo pah doo", "Let the four winds blow" (with David Hidalgo and Myrick "Freeze" Guillory) are among the good moments of the program. Note also the remarkable participation of Jon Cleary on keyboards on the whole set.
THE HOUSE OF BLUES
Royal Sound Music
Klondike
1995
Trois titres en live sur la scène du House of Blues de West Hollywood dont une sympathique version de "Strut".
Three titles live on stage of the House of Blues in West Hollywood including a nice version of "Strut".
THEN AND NOW
Postcards
October 1995 / March 1996
BLUE GOLD
Cymekob
1996
LIVE AT THE W.C. HANDY AWARDS vol.1
Rykodisc
May 1996
RIGHT NOW
Verve
December 1996
Taj Mahal apparait sur trois morceaux de cet album d'Howard Johnson en particulier "It's getting harder to survive" et "Fever".
Taj Mahal appears on three tracks from this Howard Johnson album in particular "It's getting harder to survive" and "Fever".
SENOR BLUES
Private Music
1997
Troisième album avec le producteur John Porter, mêmes musiciens que sur "Phantom blues", même belle inspiration. Les sommets sont nombreux dans ce programme intense avec "Senor blues", "Oh Lord things are gettin' crazy up in here", "Sophisticated mama", "At last I found a love".
Third album with producer John Porter, same musicians as on "Phantom blues", same great inspiration. There are many summits in this intense program with "Senor blues", "Oh Lord things are gettin' crazy up in here", "Sophisticated mama", "At last I found a love".
SACRED ISLAND
Tradition & Moderne
Private Music
May 1997
Taj Mahal a formé un nouveau groupe à l'occasion de cet album, le Hula Blues Band. Ici, il s'intéresse plus particulièrement à la musique hawaienne (il réside désormais à Hawai) qu'il mélange à des éléments Folk et Blues. Un disque très sympathique.
Taj Mahal formed a new band for this album, the Hula Blues Band. Here, he is particularly interested in Hawaiian music (he resides now in Hawaii) which he mixes with Folk and Blues elements. A very nice record.
SHAKIN' A TAIL FEATHER
Rabbit's Ears
October 1997
THE BLUES BROTHERS 2000
Universal
1997
Taj Mahal participe à la chanson "John the revelator" dans la bande originale du film "Blues Brothers 2000" réalisé par John Landis.
Taj Mahal participates in the song "John the revelator" in the soundtrack of the film "Blues Brothers 2000" directed by John Landis.
A TRIBUTE TO HOWLIN' WOLF
Telarc
July 1997
BLUES DOWN DEEP : THE SONGS OF JANIS JOPLIN
House of Blues
1997
Une version sympathique de "Mercedez Benz".
A nice version of "Mercedez Benz".
PAINT IT BLUE : SONGS OF THE ROLLING STONES
House of Blues
Ruf
1997
Une relecture peu intéressante du célèbre titre des Rolling Stones "Honky tonk woman" avec l'harmonica de James Cotton.
An uninteresting reinterpretation of the famous Rolling Stones title "Honky tonk woman" with the harmonica of James Cotton.
ROCK AND ROLL DOCTOR : LOWELL GEORGE TRIBUTE
Kaigan
CMC
1997
FIRE DOWN BELOW : ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Warner Bros
1997
Un sympathique titre de blues avec Steven Seagal intitulé "Dark angel".
A nice blues track with Steven Seagal titled "Dark angel".
ETTA BAKER WITH TAJ MAHAL
Music Maker
June 1998
Sous la supervision de Tim Duffy et de sa fondation Music Maker, Taj Mahal accompagne Etta Baker sur six morceaux de pur Piedmont Blues. Il y a même un morceau où Algia Mae Hinton rejoint le duo.
Under the supervision of Tim Duffy and his Music Maker Foundation, Taj Mahal accompanies Etta Baker on six tracks of pure Piedmont Blues. There is even a song where Algia Mae Hinton joins the duo.
SHOUTIN' IN KEY
Hannibal
November 1998
KULANJAN
Hannibal
April 1999
Album conjoint de Taj Mahal avec le musicien malien Toumani Diabaté (magnifique à la cora). Autour d'eux, on trouve plusieurs autres musiciens africains. Mélange convaincant de musiques africaines avec les éléments Folk-Blues traditionnels de Taj Mahal.
Joint album of Taj Mahal with the Malian musician Toumani Diabaté (magnificent on kora). Around them, there are several other African musicians. Mixed convincing African music with the traditional Folk-Blues elements of Taj Mahal.
AFRICA FETE
Palm
August - September 1999
TANGLED UP IN BLUES : SONGS OF BOB DYLAN
House of Blues
1999
Dans cet album hommage à Bob Dylan, Taj reprend "It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry".
In this tribute album to Bob Dylan, Taj covers "It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry".
HELLHOUND ON MY TRAIL
Telarc
February 2000
TAJ MAHAL & THE HULA BLUES BAND
Tradition & Moderne
Private Music
HANAPEPE DREAM
Tone-Cool
February - August 2000
Gravé entre l'Allemagne et Hawai, cet album s'inscrit dans la continuité de "Sacred island" entre Blues, rythmes caribéens et musique hawaienne. Quelques excellents moments comme "King Edward's throne", "African herbsman", "Living on easy", "All along the watchtower".
Engraved between Germany and Hawaii, this album is part of the continuity of "Sacred Island" between Blues, Caribbean rhythms and Hawaiian music. Some excellent moments like "King Edward's throne", "African herbsman", "Living on easy", "All along the watchtower".
MUSIC MAKERS WITH TAJ MAHAL
Music Maker
1998 - 2003
RED HOT + RIOT
MCA
2002
MKUTANO
Tradition & Moderne
2005
MAESTRO
Heads Up
2008
Pour fêter ses 40 ans de carrière, Taj Mahal offre ici un superbe résumé de sa carrière avec différents invités astucieusement choisis : Los Lobos, Ben Harper, Angélique Kidjo, Toumani Diabaté, Ziggy Marley et le New Orleans Social Club (Ivan Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr). On trouve Blues, Reggae et bien sûr ses racines caribéennes et hawaiennes. Sa reprise excitante de "Scratch my back", l'irrésistible "Hello Josephine" mais aussi "Dust me down", "TV mama" et "Diddy wah diddy" figurent parmi les meilleurs moments de cet excellent opus.
To celebrate his 40 years of career, Taj Mahal offers here a superb summary of his career with various cleverly chosen guests : Los Lobos, Ben Harper, Angélique Kidjo, Toumani Diabaté, Ziggy Marley and the New Orleans Social Club (Ivan Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr). We find Blues, Reggae and of course his Caribbean and Hawaiian roots. His exciting cover of "Scratch my back", the irresistible "Hello Josephine" but also "Dust me down", "TV mama" and "Diddy wah diddy" are among the best moments of this excellent opus.
AMERICAN HORIZON
Los Cenzontles Productions
2009
Projet commun de David Hidalgo, Hugo Arroyo et Taj Mahal. Mélange de musiques latinos dans lequel Taj chante sur plusieurs morceaux et joue différents instruments (guitare, banjo, ukulele). On trouve néanmoins de beaux accents blues dans "Suenos", "No work", "One hot mama".
Joint project of David Hidalgo, Hugo Arroyo and Taj Mahal. Mix of Latin music in which Taj sings on several tracks and plays different instruments (guitar, banjo, ukulele). There are nevertheless beautiful blues accents in "Suenos", "No work", "One hot mama".
TALKIN' CHRISTMAS
Masterworks
2014
Taj Mahal s'associe cette fois avec les Blind Boys of Alabama pour un programme plutôt axé sur le Gospel. L'album plutôt inégal s'écoute sans déplaisir mais manque un peu de flamme.
Taj Mahal is teaming up this time with the Blind Boys of Alabama for a program more focused on Gospel. The rather uneven album can be listened to without displeasure but is a little lacking flame.
LIVE FROM KAUAI
Kuleana Music
February 2015
Excellent double CD live de Taj Mahal avec son groupe le Hula Blues Band. Il offre ici un bon panorama de son répertoire entre Blues, Folk et airs traditionnels caribéens ou hawaiens.
Excellent double live CD of Taj Mahal with his Hula Blues Band. He offers here a good panorama of his repertoire between Blues, Folk and Caribbean or Hawaiian traditional tunes.
LABOR OF LOVE
Music Maker
2016
Retour aux racines du Blues sous la houlette du producteur Tim Duffy. Taj collabore avec quelques bluesmen de la Fondation Music Maker : Neal Pattman, Algia Mae Hinton, John Dee Holeman, Cootie Stark, Cool John Ferguson, Ardie Dean. Des superbes versions de "Shortnin' bread", "I ain't the one you love", "So sweet", "Hambone", "Song for Brenda" dans une set-list passionnante.
Return to the roots of the Blues under the leadership of producer Tim Duffy. Taj collaborates with some bluesmen from the Music Maker Foundation : Neal Pattman, Algia Mae Hinton, John Dee Holeman, Cootie Stark, Cool John Ferguson, Ardie Dean. Great versions of "Shortnin' bread", "I ain't the one you love", "So sweet", "Hambone", "Song for Brenda" in an exciting set-list.
TAJ'MO
Concord
2017
Association de Taj Mahal et de Keb'Mo dans un contexte Blues avec influences contemporaines. La production semble parfois un peu lourde et invasive. "Don't leave me here", "She knows how to rock me", "Shake me in your arms", des reprises originales de "Squeeze box" (composée par Pete Townshend) et "Waiting on the world to change" (composée par John Mayer) figurent parmi les meilleurs moments de cet opus sympathique.
Association of Taj Mahal and Keb'Mo in a Blues context with contemporary influences. The production sometimes seems a bit heavy and invasive. "Don't leave me here", "She knows how to rock me", "Shake me in your arms", original covers of "Squeeze box" (composed by Pete Townshend) and "Waiting on the world to change" (composed by John Mayer) are among the best moments of this sympathetic opus.
GET ON BOARD
Nonesuch
2022
Plus de 55 ans après leurs débuts ensemble au sein des Rising Sons, Taj Mahal et Ry Cooder se retrouvent pour ce subtil hommage à Sonny Terry & Brownie Mac Ghee (la couverture reprend d'ailleurs une pochette d'un de leurs albums). Les deux hommes jouent et chantent avec beaucoup de feeling et délivrent de superbes moments comme "Hooray hooray", "Deep sea diver", "Pawnshop blues", "Cornbread peas black molasses" et "Packing up getting ready to go". Joachim Cooder (le fils de Ry) joue la basse et la batterie avec eux.
More than 55 years after their beginnings together within the Rising Sons, Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder reunite for this subtle tribute to Sonny Terry & Brownie Mac Ghee (the cover also reproduces a cover of one of their albums). The two men play and sing with a lot of feeling and deliver great moments like "Hooray hooray", "Deep sea diver", "Pawnshop blues", "Cornbread peas black molasses" and "Packing up getting ready to go". Joachim Cooder (Ry's son) plays bass and drums with them.