If I did speak to Henry AKA Taj Mahal, I would thank him for many decades of wonderful music. I would also mention Jesse Ed Davis who in my opinion may have been the smoothest slide player to ever live.
When Taj Mahal did his version of Carole King's "Take a giant step" he brought a depth to the song, mostly glossed over by The Monkees' pop take on the tune. Taj brought a vastness to it that conveyed loss and pain, but also strength and courage. Like Bob Marley, Taj is a giant himself; not because he's a big man, but because of his giant spirit. He is a world ambassador, embracing music and instruments from every corner, then authentically sharing it with all who care to listen. I'm not sure even he realizes just how great he truly is...an overlooked national treasure!
why would anyone at this point be slamming the monkees cmon man obviously the taj version is so completely different and superlative, but still like apples and oranges my friend
@@michaelhoffman5486 Who's "slamming" the Monkees? I enjoyed them like most back in their day, but they were all about fun and popular sound. I'm focused on Taj. He's as roots and real as you get, with his Caribbean and African influenced music, as well as jazz and blues. His dad was both a pianist and a well regarded arranger that filled the house regularly with an array of musicians and played music from around the world on his shortwave radio. Unfortunately, Taj lost his dad when he was just 11, when his dad was killed in an accident at the construction company he worked for. From that tragedy, Taj gradually learned to play and perform himself, evolving into an international artist with global appeal. His talent and spirit have been under-recognized and he's still out there playing today after more than 50 years...
I had the pleasure to meet Taj in his tour bus right before he went solo on stage one night. Not so long ago. We had introductions through a mutual tribal friend Taj was nice. He was trying on hats in the mirror. I just watched instead of making small talk. He was getting stage ready, I could tell. Then he took down the Opera House with his powerful voice. It was so cool. He and Jesse Ed had to be quite a pair. I like Taj. He is very genuine amd humane.
What a performance. I only started listening to Taj because his guitarist Jesse Ed Davis was from Oklahoma and I couldn't believe the talent in band and how all the Great musicians praise him.
I saw Taj do a solo show at the University of Pennsylvania in the 90s and he did a wonderful version of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time". But I can't find a video of Taj performing that song anywhere.
Michael, if you play the Mississippi delta blues on a Gibson Les Paul guitar and a Marshall amplifier tuned perfectly you lose all of the feeling of what the artist is trying to express. Any major dude will tell ya.
I agree Rob, Alvin Lee is superior, his live performances on CZcams prove that. His studio recordings are impressive as well. He's also a talented and versatile singer and songwriter.
I played with Taj the year prior at the Wolf Trap Festival. Humble soul who remembered me even after he made it to the top.
Would u like to speak to him ?
If I did speak to Henry AKA Taj Mahal, I would thank him for many decades of wonderful music. I would also mention Jesse Ed Davis who in my opinion may have been the smoothest slide player to ever live.
@@lefty5757RESPECT to Taj and Jesse Ed Davis ❤
When Taj Mahal did his version of Carole King's "Take a giant step" he brought a depth to the song, mostly glossed over by The Monkees' pop take on the tune. Taj brought a vastness to it that conveyed loss and pain, but also strength and courage. Like Bob Marley, Taj is a giant himself; not because he's a big man, but because of his giant spirit. He is a world ambassador, embracing music and instruments from every corner, then authentically sharing it with all who care to listen. I'm not sure even he realizes just how great he truly is...an overlooked national treasure!
why would anyone at this point be slamming the monkees cmon man obviously the taj version is so completely different and superlative, but still like apples and oranges my friend
@@michaelhoffman5486 Who's "slamming" the Monkees? I enjoyed them like most back in their day, but they were all about fun and popular sound. I'm focused on Taj. He's as roots and real as you get, with his Caribbean and African influenced music, as well as jazz and blues. His dad was both a pianist and a well regarded arranger that filled the house regularly with an array of musicians and played music from around the world on his shortwave radio. Unfortunately, Taj lost his dad when he was just 11, when his dad was killed in an accident at the construction company he worked for. From that tragedy, Taj gradually learned to play and perform himself, evolving into an international artist with global appeal. His talent and spirit have been under-recognized and he's still out there playing today after more than 50 years...
Saw our man tonight… 50 years after this show. Taj has brought a lot of joy to this heart of mine for a long time.
It was a privilege to see the maestro play Bluesfest 2024 Byron Bay Australia.
I had the privilege of seeing him in 2018 or 2019 at a free outdoor concert on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. I am forever grateful.
Can't figure out why this only got 4K views. This man is a stone legend!!!
For over 50 years I have been watching Taj play with his signature shaking head.
I just love hisj performances.
One of last of his kind, truly a national treasure.
Taj Maha transcends genre. A musician's musician but so much more... spiritual.
I had the pleasure to meet Taj in his tour bus right before he went solo on stage one night. Not so long ago. We had introductions through a mutual tribal friend Taj was nice. He was trying on hats in the mirror. I just watched instead of making small talk. He was getting stage ready, I could tell. Then he took down the Opera House with his powerful voice. It was so cool. He and Jesse Ed had to be quite a pair. I like Taj. He is very genuine amd humane.
Back in 91 we met this fine gentleman at 2 shows in one week! He’s the greatest!! Awesome work!! Love that Taj!
Taj Mahal played at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, 1968.
What a performance. I only started listening to Taj because his guitarist Jesse Ed Davis was from Oklahoma and I couldn't believe the talent in band and how all the Great musicians praise him.
An American prince and my favorite musician ever. Bless him wherever he travels in this life or the following.
A true American Master, making a joyful noise. Does my soul good. Thanks for sharing.
Just one 👍seems inadequate, so here goes 👍👍👍👍👍
Awesome!!! Thanks for posting... enriching my day!!!
the old master
in his young version ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taj is one of the coolest
The Magician !!!!
Just The Best..!!! Love It..!!
Such an underated musician these days, doesn't get nearly enough credit for what he brought to music.
Truly Amazing!
Ain't nothin but Taj. Nuff said
A true talent. So overlooked
OUTSTANDING
Cool man...downright cool.
Terrific talent. 👍🏻🏴
Любовь! ❤❤❤
3:22 When Taj gets the banjo out. 😍
Cakewalk is the best happy blues song ever !
At least until you finally hear the other 150 that exist......lol Blues is a style not a mood my friend.
Cakewalking is a African American Church tradition. It is where the Kids in youth section get to participate in Church events other than singing.
un très grand artiste, bien trop méconnu
💗💖💕💙💟
I saw Taj do a solo show at the University of Pennsylvania in the 90s and he did a wonderful version of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time". But I can't find a video of Taj performing that song anywhere.
That would be a beauty cover if there ever was one. Taj is a special talent.
so fucking good
beautiful cat
that sounds so magical ! what do you call the small box harp he's playing with his thumbs ? please, any and all replies !
he says the name after he finishes playing it. Mbira i think its called or thumb harp
@@donkeyphukkkker thank you
Often called the kalimba, though there are many variations and different names, including mbira or thumb piano
@@sandstronaut thank you
Kalimba local to
Hawaii and bali and many other countries and cultures ❤❤
Kalimba.
M’bira
Thumb piano
Music
Shhhhh
I'm white
I'm fan of taj mahal 🍀✌🙏
WHOAAAA YOURE WHITE?!?!?!?!
😂@@debomb721
Who gives a shit.
Talk about cultural appropriation
not impressed, guitar is out of tune too
Michael, if you play the Mississippi delta blues on a Gibson Les Paul guitar and a Marshall amplifier tuned perfectly you lose all of the feeling of what the artist is trying to express. Any major dude will tell ya.
@@robkeil6241 I understand that but sometimes it just hurts the ears. I'm more of an Alvin Lee of 10 years after fan
@@michaelamato2714you can't hear Jimi
I agree Rob, Alvin Lee is superior, his live performances on CZcams prove that. His studio recordings are impressive as well. He's also a talented and versatile singer and songwriter.
Did Alvin Lee ever play solo?
0:00 - Kalimba
3:34 - Ricochet
6:36 - Cakewalk into Town
9:44 - Sweet Home Chicago