[rating=9.00]
Lennon and McCartney. Laurel and Hardy. Peanut butter and jelly. Politicians and pontificators. Some combinations are so in sync, they’re not only the sum of their parts but all but the parts are indistinguishable from one another. The same could be said of Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal, two veteran musicians who possess so much in common that they often seem as if they were born brothers of different mothers.
With that in mind, Taj/Mo is an album that’s long overdue. After all, the two tread the same turf, one that incorporates basic blues, a distinct melodic sensibility and a playful approach that often incorporates outside influences as well. Consequently, the two men sound as if they’ve been performing together for eons, and given the fact that Keb’ always seemed to draw his influences from Taj, it’s a match that only required the willingness to work together to make it succeed.
As a result, admirers of each man’s work can point to the fact that Taj/Mo is a standout effort by either man’s measure. While there’s no shortage of basic blues, it’s the uptempo tunes like “All Around the World” and “That’s Who I Am” that reflect the passion and purpose these two artists are best known for. An infusion of horns elevate the proceedings, but it’s the seamless blend of the joy and exuberance that Taj and Keb bring to the table that makes the record so strong and so supple. Whether it’s the harmonious replay of Taj’s early classic “Diving Duck Blues,” a sprightly version of the Who’s “Squeeze Box” or otherwise caressing ballads like “Om Sweet Om” (featuring added vocals by Lizz Wright) and John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change,” the material comes across with a fully infused enthusiasm that belies even the softer sentiments.
The blues come in many hues, but in the hands of these two masters they’ve never been as vibrant. A shared effort that’s been long overdue, Taj/Mo is both a treat and a triumph.
2 Responses
I’m a new found blues fan!!
Sound Great …!!!!