Taj Mahal Time

By Brian Rock

Blues Icon, Americana originator, and living legend Taj Mahal returns with his 33^rd studio album, Time. Defying time itself, Taj Mahal performs with the same energy and warmth that he exuded in the 1970’s. With a voice that resonates with experience and authority, he sings of the two pleasures that give life meaning: love and music.

“Life Of Love,” introduces the set with Calypso rhythms and a soulful horn section. Recalling his younger days, Taj sings, “We used to come together on Sunday evenings on a street corner, serenading. African, Black and French Creole, delta blues and Caribbean soul; different folks with different names. The love of the music was all the same.” The melding of world beat rhythms echoes the sentiment of sharing cultures. Hammering home the point, Taj continues, “When we all sing together there’s no trouble we can’t rise above. Your heart ain’t heavy when you dance, so take every chance you can to celebrate living a life of love.” The melody and the lyrics are a musical medicine that melts away tension. 

“You Put The Whammy On Me,” continues the tropical vibes with a sultry, salsa/soul hex on the heart. “Wild About My Lovin’,” adds a touch of reggae to the romance. “Talkin’ Blues,” leans even more into the reggae rhythms as Taj confronts trouble in paradise. Stripping away all other influences, he pours out 100 proof blues on, “Ask Me ‘Bout Nothing’ (But The Blues).” Taj returns to his wheelhouse on the barrelhouse blues of, “Crazy About A Jukebox.” Paying tribute to rock & roll and rhythm & blues artists from the 1950s, he’s equally mesmerized by a woman who’ll, “pop a cork for Jackie Wilson.” “Rowdy Blues,” is pure Professor Longhair inspired New Orleans blues. Touching on more musical influences, Taj gives energetic renditions of Otis Redding’s “Sweet Lorene,” and “Charles Sheffield’s “It’s Your Voodoo Working.” He saves his most intimate musical tribute for the album’s title song. “Time,” is a never released song by Bill Withers. Both a fan and friend of Withers, Taj Mahal pours his heart into the soulful folk ballad. Talking about Time’s healing attributes, he sings, “Just remember to forget about your past and get on with the new. Time will see you through.” Although Time may lessen the sting of loss, you can still hear the yearning in Taj Mahal’s voice as he recalls his late friend. Whatever else Time may do; it has not slowed down, Taj Mahal. Seven decades into his storied career and he is still as vibrant as ever.

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Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.

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