Veteran bluesmen, Taj Mahal, and Keb’ Mo’, have teamed up for a new album release. The album, TajMo, is a historic collaboration between two generations of blues giants. Scheduled for release on May 5th, via Concord Records, TajMo will combine their singular talents, for the first time ever, on an album of both original songs and covers.
While the two have known and influenced each other for decades, TajMo marks the first proper collaboration between the two artists. The album was self-produced by the duo and was recorded by Zach Allen, John Caldwell and Casey Wasner at Nashville’s Stu Stu Studio. The 11-song set includes covers of John Mayer and The Who, as well as 6 original songs. It also contains cameos from Bonnie Raitt, Joe Walsh, Sheila E., Lizz Wright, and many more.
TajMo brings out the best in both artists, with the pair merging their distinctive voices, personalities and guitar styles to create vibrant, immediate music that’s firmly rooted in tradition, yet ruled by a playful sense of adventure. “Don’t Leave Me Here” is a love letter to the South that sounds like an instant classic, and “Soul” interweaves world music with blues in a way that only Taj could pull off. Mahal and Mo’ also put a soulful spin on Mayer’s “Waiting On The World To Change”, on which Raitt lends her unmistakable vocals.
Speaking of one another, Mahal says, “Keb’s really good at keeping the ball up in the air. He’s a hell of a guitar player, and I’m just amazed at some of the stuff that he put out there.” Mo’ answers with, “He’s a stellar human being, just a brilliant man. Making this record was a really big deal for me.”
Taj Mahal has been recording and performing his unmistakable blend of blues and world music for over 50 years, winning multiple Grammys and collaborating with the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and more along the way. Keb’ Mo’, who has often cited Taj as one of his musical heroes, is a 3-time Grammy Winner who has collaborated with everyone from Raitt to Jackson Browne and Buddy Guy.
TajMo: The Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ Band will be touring extensively in support of the record, dates to be announced soon.
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