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 watched this on TV when it was first broadcast over 50 years ago. I haven’t been the same since. I’m not exaggerating; a life changing event. Thank you Taj Mahal!
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 RU-vid prove that. His studio recordings are impressive as well. He's also a talented and versatile singer and songwriter.
