Vintage Guitar - September 2017 - open - 112

HIT LIST

R E V I E W S

Keb' Mo' and (RIGHT) Taj Mahal.

BLUESY AND
THE FOLKSY
that takes the song to new
places. They bring new life to
John Mayer's "Waiting On The
World To Change" with Bonnie
Raitt's personal stamp on background vocals. "Soul" reflects
Majal's on-going love for world
music with its fusion of African, Jamaican, and American
influences. Sheila E. and Joe
Walsh make an appearance on
the record, as well as gospeljazz vocalist Lizz Wright.
As much as Mahal and Mo'
love to step out of the confines
of traditional blues songwriting
tropes, "Don't Leave Me Here"
will please the traditionalists
with lines like "I'm stuck here
in Chicago, please don't leave
me here." From its Chicagomeets-Nashville groove,
ergonomic B.B. King-approved
guitar lines, and the soaring

VINTAGE GUITAR

harp and horn section, this
tune has bona fide blues tradition and cred written all over it.
"She Knows How To Rock
Me" utilizes New Orleans
drum grooves and second-line
acoustic slide ornamentations.
Mahal and Mo' trade verses
and overlap seamlessly with
Mo's clearer tenor singing
wrapping impeccably around
Mahal's gruff baritone.
"All Around The World" is
the radio-friendly cut obviously
meant to unite the masses in
this time of political unrest:
with its polished production
and hand claps, it does the
trick. Aside from this track,
the album is earthy, brimming
with vibrant fingerpicked
acoustic guitars and excellent
accompaniment from both
artists. "Om Sweet Om" is

112

September 2017

Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'
TajMo

an example of this, with the
soulful Lizz Wright joining in.
It wouldn't be a good Keb'
Mo' collaboration without
some superb dobro as on
"That's Who I Am" and "Diving
Duck Blues." These two stellar
artists provide sincere vocals
and seasoned guitar that back
and distinguish one another in
support of the greater good.
Unity is the theme of the
album and it's this concept of
celebrating the differences as
well as the similarities, which
makes this album beautifully
relevant. - Oscar Jordan

Taj Mahal and Keb Mo: Jay Blakesberg.

M

eeting the demand for
fans hankering for two
titans of the blues to
finally make an album together,
Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' have
done just that. These two folksy
song-oriented stylists are a perfect match with their charmingly
accessible feel and story-comesfirst mission statement. Not
without its hot licks and mature
musicianship, a grounded
rhythm section and special
guests support the album.
Produced by both Taj and
Keb' with assistance from
Zach Allen, John Caldwell,
and Casey Wasner, TajMo's
11-song set features top-ofthe-line songwriting with
memorable hooks and tastefully supportive musicianship.
The duo gives The Who's
"Squeeze Box" a funky twist



Vintage Guitar - September 2017 - open

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vintage Guitar - September 2017 - open

Contents
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Vintage Guitar - September 2017 - open - IFC
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