Album Review of
TajMo

Written by Mark Gallo
April 30, 2017 - 12:00am EDT
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This delightful collaboration between the two blues legends is a treat from top to bottom. The vocals are exemplary and the backing band is first-rate, from the sparkling and punchy horns to the guest artists. Joe Walsh sits in on a few numbers, harmonica master Billy Branch is on board, Sheila E adds some percussive punch and Bonnie Raitt adds her voice to the fantastic remake of John Mayer’s “Waiting For the World to Change.” Taj Mahal has a 50 year career to build on and Keb’ Mo’ has emerged in the past decade or so as one of the most dynamic rootsy blues acts. More country than city, the groove is upbeat and jaunty and this translates to a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The opener, “Don’t Leave Me Here” and the following “She Knows How To Rock Me” are as good as any one-two punch in recent memory. The remake of Taj Mahal’s classic “Diving Duck Blues” and their take on the “Who’s Squeeze Box” are standouts, although the bulk of the tunes are originals.