Maestro

Additional Maestro Information

Composer and multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal, a two-time GRAMMY® winner and one of the most influential American blues and roots artists of the past half-century, has made no Faustian deals in his long and distinguished career, but he stands at an important crossroads nonetheless. In his never-ending exploration of the complex origins and underpinnings of American music, he has forged a four-decade career by gathering and distilling countless musical traditions from a range of geographical and cultural sources: the Mississippi Delta, the Appalachian backwoods, the African continent, the Hawaiian islands, Europe, the Caribbean and so much more. Taj Mahal doesn't just stand at the crossroads. He is the crossroads.

This twelve-track set - his first U.S. release in five years - marks the fortieth anniversary of Taj's rich and varied recording career by mixing original material with chestnuts from vintage sources and newcomers alike. Guests on this anniversary gala include Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others - many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj's music and guidance.

What Customers Say About Maestro:

It is, as always, a new Taj. I have followed Taj since his first album watched him perform a number if times. It has a variety of blues in it. If you are a Taj fan do not hesitate picking up this solid cd. He amazes me with his ability to keep evolving. I enjoyed this cd very much.

Never let you go is my favorite track off this album. every style hes used on all his albums is here on this one. a must for Taj Mahal fans and a great recommendation to anyone interested in blues or taj i was very excited taj released a new album and even more happy when i bought it. Taj brings back his blues and manages to put into this album everything he has done in his career.

This is a great Blues/world music album worthy of awards. "Maestro" is most definitely, a Taj Mahal Classic. It also has a Star Studded lineup assisting Taj Mahal, But this Release still has that World /Eclectic/Country Folk Blues vibes that Taj is famous for plus the blues music styles that he covers in this album, sounds as authentic as some of the original styles.

What a great and inspiring musician. Finally, he puts on of the best live shows in the business. I especially enjoy the comment he makes on the promo video about "not selling out to the music industry." I would encourage any listener who is new to blues or roots music to listen to Taj Mahal - his playing will educate and enlighten you.

Through the years, he has played with pure integrity, virtuosity, taste, and great showmanship. And he probably plays a few other instruments too.Taj Mahal plays with feeling, authority, and he has fun while he plays. The title of this album is a perfect description for the multi-talented Taj Mahal.

He knows and appreciates the history of American roots music. Hats off to Taj Mahal for all he has done to perpetuate good music, including making this fine album. The CD contains a varied selection of tunes and styles ranging from hokum blues to Fats Domino to African music, all of which are capably handled by this gifted artist.Taj's passionate, expressive singing is a joy to listen to.

In addition, he plays acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar, banjo-frailing and picking-harmonica, and barrelhouse piano, all at the level of virtuosity (but not all on this CD).

"Slow Drag" is my favorite song on the album. If you like blues music you will love this CD. That song alone is worth the price. This Cd highlights a lot of different styles of playing that Taj Mahal has done in his music over the years. The title of the album says it all.