Taj Mahal

The live personas of both Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal run counter to the stereotype that bluesmen have to be downbeat and depressing. I've seen each of these men before more than once, but never together. Every time they've put on personable, fun concerts, and this time joined together to deliver what was easily one of my top five concert experiences of 2017 (and I've seen more than fifty shows since January). I knew that I would enjoy the concert--there was no question about that. I just didn't expect to have as much fun as I did, starting with opening act Guy Davis, who, like the men he was sharing the bill with, sat with a couple of guitars and sang the blues, but with so much wit and personality that he elicited a rapturous standing ovation from the audience at the end of his twenty-five minute set. Davis was an unexpected treat, one of the very best openers I've ever seen, and I'd go see him again on his own, easily. With ten years' difference in ages between Taj (75) and Keb' (65), one wouldn't blame them for 'taking it slow and easy', but from the opening chords of Horace Silver's "Senor Blues", the show was off and running...and didn't let up. Both musicians were obviously loving performing with each other and also with their remarkable band, which included Taj's two daughters on backing vocals. Taj himself sat through the set, but was not motionless; he played a variety of instruments, including a banjo, ukulele and of course, great harmonica. The man may be a senior citizen now but he still can blast a harp with the best of them. The setlist veered back and forth from choices in each man's catalog; my favorite was "She Caught the Katy", one of Mahal's classics and the first song heard in the 1980 classic "The Blues Brothers", one of my favorite films. That one really got people up and dancing in the aisles of the State Theatre. The audience was very receptive, and it looked to me like the band was having a lot of fun too. It was an evening of fantastic music. Five stars all the way!

I saw Taj Mahal, Keb Mo and Guy Davis at the State Theatre. The venue is great! Acoustics amazing. The restoration to the building is eye candy that goes on and on. There cannot be a bad seat in the house. All have a great view of the stage. Drinks are priced to discourage drinking. A Stella and a Coors light was $17. The seats are narrow but comfortable. I am 6' 1" and leg room was doable.

Simply FANTASTIC ! Taj Mahal is real, smoky, deep, and wonderful ! Must see show !!

Outstanding performances. Anytime you have the chance to see Susan play, DO IT!

I went to the show to see Susan Tedeschi. I was pleasantly surprised with Taj Mahal , whom I had never heard of. He is a talented musician and enjoyable to listen to. The show together went on for over 3 hours. They both love to play and perform.

The event was teriffic. Susan and her new band were top shelf. Taj is a true blues singer. If I were to have any complaints they would be, I wish Taj Mahal brought a larger band and the the Eastman Theater venue was a little warm and stuffy. All told , this was a great show.

Susan Tedeschi stole the show even though Taj rocked out .Derek was there but did not preform

We went for Susan, had not heard of Taj Mahal, but, liked both performers very much. We always enjoy Susan Tedeski anytime we have seen her in concert- fabulous voice, and guitarist.

Have seen Susan many times and she never disappoints, first time seeing Taj Mahal, music was great and he is entertaining with his stories! Found the ushers to be annoying at best, will not visit the Eastman theatre again, too many other great venues out there.

Taj Mahal should have been first. His music was not as big as hers. She rocked the house.

The show was fab, I enjoyed it even with not the best seats in the house. I had never seen Susan Tedeschi before so seeing her was truly amazing.

The concert was great, especially Susan Tedeschi. Her band was amazing, and Susan was outstanding. The energy was through the roof for her whole set. Her voice was great, and she can shred on the guitar. Taj Mahal was great, but was a little more mellow than Susan, and as a result, was a bit of a letdown. Taj Mahal was funny, and his music was as good as I expected. He played some favorites and some songs I didn't know, and they were all very enjoyable. Maybe it was just the combination and order of appearance that left me a little down. I think had Taj opened up for Susan, or if he had a different opening act, it might have been more enjoyable (but I'm extremely glad that Susan was his opening act - I've loved her music for years). All in all, the concert was great, and I would definitely recommend it.

A great night at a great venue !!! Susan will certainly end up a legend as large as Joplin and Franklin , she was incredible. Taj is always entertaining and still delivers the goods !!

It was hard to believe that both Taj Mahal and Susan Tedeschi were both live aside from the interacting with the audience because the sound was crisp and quite engaging. Every song was what we expected it to sound like and more. Not every band has that kind of talent or consistency. We would go see both artists again and have told many of our pleasure in our evening at the Eastman Theatre. We now know why others have been sold on previous shows.

Susan Tedeschi should just play for 3 hours all by herself.....she doesn't need anyone to headline with her....she rocked the house, and shouls have played longer.

A poor sound set up for Susan Tedeschi made her portion of the evening a real disappointment. Too loud and quite muddy amplification resulted in a sub-par concert. When Taj Mahal came onstage 30 minutes later the system had been adjusted and was much better. As always, he did a great job of varying musical styles and traditions.

One of the best Rochester Jazz Festival shows yet. Susan Tedeschi is better than ever. Her rendition of "In the presence of the Lord" was outstanding. Taj was at his best, which is always great. He played my favorite "Goin' Fishin' with style.

The sound of Susans guitar and her beautiful voice were amazing.

Two top headliners. Taj is one of the last of the "GREATS" so fantastic seeing him. Susan is the most talented lucky girl in the world not only is she filling the shoes of Bonnie Raitt but she just happens to be married to the great Derek Trucks. Their love and passion for each other and their music and family reflects in every note played be they together or apart. Any opportunity you have to catch Susan, Derek, Scrapomatic or the combination is a MUST. Taj Mahal is a living legend put seeing Taj on your must do list.

Silver Oak provided an intimate setting for great music and dancing (and wine). This was a benefit for a good cause as well. Taj Mahal was amazing, a true showman with terrific energy. I had the chance to meet Bob Weir after his set, and as a long-time Dead fan, it was a bit of a dream come true.

An awesome venue and a wonderful event, couldn't have been better. Everything about it was perfect, setting, music, weather, and energy. Hope you do it again.

Band, location, crowd - everything was great and memorable.

Nothing beats Taj Mahal at the Minnesota Zoo, it's just not possible to top the performance and the venue. This is the way blues was meant to be played no frills, just thrills!

I truly enjoyed the concert. had great seats, felt very inspired and relaxed. I will be going to many others.

TajMo is a perfect combination. They are great for each other. I found the concert spiritually uplifting.

This was my first event at the State theater and to see 75 y.o. Taj and awesome Keb Moe made my early birthday present the most memorable time. LOVED the place, LOVED the music!!!

I have seen Taj a few times in my life, and have always put him up near Muddy Waters. Keb, of course, is younger, but the two of these guys play off each other well and clearly are enjoying the stage together. The band was very tight, with a bass player with a personality, great drummer, sax and trumpet were just the right volume and Taj's daughters as backup were very good. This was a very enjoyable evening, highly recommended.

What an amazing show! Feel good vibe throughout. keb has been on my bucket list and I was not disappointed.

A chance to see two legends backed up by a great band! Taj Mahal and Keb Mo together...what more can you say?

Upside, It was very very good ,the sound was good, The songs were done very good.I loved the choices of songs. The whole band was great. But they never introduced Keb Moe opps

Great homage to country blues by two masters and a great band preceded by Guy Davis who was also masterful.

Never had seen these artists in concert before. Played nonstop for 1.5 hours. Songs wonderful of course and liked seeing the interaction between the artists.

Gotta see these great performers. Tight band. Excellent musicianship.

The entire performance was fantastic from the first note to the last!

Everyone enjoyed the show that highlighted the styles and songs of both these great blues men. Clearly, and unfortunately, Keb enabled Taj to showcase his musical strengths and Keb kept his legendary sparkling personality and clever song writing skills out of the limelight. The accompanying band of talented musicians was a pleasant bonus.

Best concert since we saw Taj in Paris. The band was tight. Great selection of songs.

Both of these blues icons were at the top of their game. Well worth seeing and I hope they collaborate again in the future.

Great music, great interaction with the audience, great laughs. A show that kept me wanting more and to not have to leave. Keb and Taj are awesome entertainers.

Really enjoyed the entire evening from the "Black Pacific" opening act to the amazing combo of Taj & Keb. Great venue - there are no bad seats at The Uptown Theater.

Good show always a great venue big fan of both artists was a treat to see them together.

Enjoyed seeing Taj Mahal. He's so talented and seemed to enjoy his audience. Nice evening!

TAJ WAS VERY GOOD BUT HE STAYED TOO FAR FROM THE MIC MOST OF THE TIME AND YOU COULD NOT HEAR HIS VOICE. WHEN HE SAT AT THE KEYBOARD IT WAS FINE BUT THE SOUND TECH AND/OR TAJ REALLY BLEW IT ON SUCH A SIMPLE THING.

Taj Mahal brought an exemplary display of musicianship and vocal achievement to a packed house of admirers on Friday, March 10th. He quietly enveloped the audience into his own world, meeting different characters along the way of life. His uncanny choice of different rhythms matching his choice of instruments is the highest form of artistry that can bring people to a higher level of understanding of what is going on on in the world of Taj. He is the consummate storyteller. Few storytellers can leave such an indelible impression upon an audience so effectively as Taj Mahal.

Awesome performance by one of the last great blues players. Great time in a great venue....you must see Taj Mahal a warm and entertaining multi-talented musician that is an American original.

Intimate acoustic evening with Taj. Hearing songs as they were written, felt more like sitting in his livingroom

Great show, Enjoyed the opening act and the entire Taj Mahal performance. Highly recommend

Man he is so entertaining!! Great set list!! Great acoustics!!

Taj Mahal is a national treasure! This is the best way to experience a Taj Mahal concert, in an intimate theater where his interaction with the audience is most effective. What a joy it was watching and listening to this legend play songs from history. Taj Mahal is both a student of and professor of music. If you appreciate the history of the blues you will enjoy this show. He is very personable and his love for the music he plays is so evident in the way he delivers a song. If you can help it, do not miss his show when he comes to town. P.S. The young man, Jontavious Willis, who opened the show was very impressive. Blues music is alive and well. This was one off the best shows I have ever seen.

Best ever!!! So many blues tunes, and so many more he couldn't play

Love Taj, love the venue. He is the real deal. Long live the blues!

Taj is still one of the best blues Masters ever. He is a master of Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, steel guitar, Ukulele, banjo and keyboard along with his incredible blues voice.

The show was different from what I expected since Taj Mahal played all by himself and the last time I saw him was with a large band. The show was low key, but good, like a private event.

Pretty neat to see such an Icon in a close setting. A true Southern blues master doing his own material. Although he displayed at least 5 various firms of stringed instruments on stage, he managed to actually play two of them, and quite well. The electric piano was a surprise, and his ability to play precisely on the ivories was amazing. But he only used it one time! Could have had the house rockin' had he only kept playing it. Overall a little disappointing but something we may not see again. Worth the price of admission.

Nice, relaxed evening of first class entertainment and one man show Taj Mahal. It was a privilege to see this musical talent in this smaller venue and the audience enjoyed special moments, including singing along and hearing Taj imitate the blues in Eastern European and French...thoroughly entertained.

First of all, it's a one-man show and it was in as 'intimate' a setting as possible .. The Lexington Opera House. The venue places the audience close to the artist, which enhances the performance, especially when the focus is just on one person. No 'distractions' with lighting, or lasers, or effects. Just raw blues the way it has been intended for years .. by an icon. Taj's masterful playing is a throw-back to the glory days, and it was just a pleasure to let him 'work' the tunes to show not only a musician but a performer.

you want to hear some blues, some rock, you want to step outside your mind, THEN YOU want to go see Taj.

Taj Mahal is the consumate musician and showman!!!!! He is an incredible singer, guitar player, piano player, banjo and ukelale player. Everything he does is done with style, grace, and humor! I would totally recommend seeing Taj at any venue at any chance you get!

From traditional blues to Spanish guitar to keyboard gospel to improv banter with the audience, the man had breadth, depth, and experience. The audience was highly appreciative. So glad we were there. Go, and take this opportunity to tell Taj you love him:-)

I enjoyed every bit of the evening. He was even better than I remember from the last time I saw him 30 years(!) ago. Maybe I've grown better able to appreciate the mellow joy he exudes. It was the first time I have been to the Uptown and I am truly impressed by the setting. Perfect crowd size. Very good acoustics. From what I could tell, there is not a bad seat anywhere. Had not realized there would be an opening act. The Rowin (sp?) Brothers were OK. A couple of their songs were outstanding, but never made me stop thinking that we were waiting to hear Taj Mahal.

His set was an accoustic,solo.....something he hasn't done since 2003 by his own admission. Just Taj, his insturments, his words, his music and us. It was great, Taj showed his mastery of music, told us his stories and connected with us. He played 3 different guitars, a banjo, his 6 string uke and an organ, he was and is still an amazing music-man!

It was one of the better concerts I've been to lately. Love the quality of the music and voice, man can he play......and sing!! Such an individual, a true artist.

Taj was fabulous. It was extremely touching and wondrous to see such a lovely man share his magnificant talents and years of experience with us. He indeed plays music and musically from his heart. Loved it!! His cd, "The Essential Taj Mahal" is a delightful new addition to my music collection.

I've been a fan since about 1970.First time to see him live.Wow!!!!!!!!!

It was a distinct honor and privilege to see and enjoy such an iconic musical giant in such an intimate setting . . . concert was an absolute joy from start to finish - what an incredible, musical journeyman - THANK YOU Rhythm Room . . . THANK YOU Taj Mahal! Special mention of opening act Nick Nixon (GREAT - another historical musical figure!)

Awesome music, comfortable interaction with audience - years of experience make a positive difference!

I saw Taj back in the late 60's and he is still as awesome as he was then.

Wonderful wonderful! This was one of the best concerts I have been too. I took my daughters and they LOVED Taj!! Please have him come back!!!

The night with Taj was magical. Weather perfect, crowd showing major love and the artist amazing and beautiful as always. I saw Taj at the State Fair wih Bonnie Raitt a couple of years ago, but didn't sit this close - what a gift. Recommend highly. Thanks!

Blind Boys of Alabama were truly great. If only they could have done a 3 hour set. Two years ago, Taj phoned. It in. This time, his voice was fragile so he nicely overcomplesated on his guitars and mandolin and did perhaps his best string work ever in Minneapolis.

I hate to give this event such a poor review. It has nothing to do with Taj, he was fab and did the best he could under the circumstances. I blame my disappointment on the soundboard tech. He also spent the entire show texting. If you are familiar with the State Theatre, it is a small venue with cement type walls & ceiling and the sound bounces around. The bass was too high and the volume too loud. I couldn't stand it, I had to leave early.

Taj was great as always. The State Theater is, well, threadbare. The sound mix was heavy toward the lower mid level and bass making the warm up band sound excessively muddy. Turns out this is Taj's daughter's band.

fun! what energy! Still has it- great opening act, recommend the show.

Excellent performance, although the vocals were not miked well, could have used more clarity in the sound system. Otherwise, an excellent concert, terrific performance by Taj Mahal Trio.

What a spectacular show. I would see him any night of the week for as many nights in a row as I could. Maybe one of the best shows we have ever seen!

Much better then I expected, I would go out of my way to see him again.

One of the truly great performers, funky blues combined with complex musicality. No one does it like Taj Mahal. What a wonderful show.

I was able to sit 15 yards away from the living master. I can haardly believe I had this opportunity. Taj Mahal, and his fellow musicians, were better than amazing. the venue was superb, and the volunteers that worked that night were equally superb. I am still in shock that I finally got to see Taj Mahal, and so close!!!

Nobody does it like Taj. A true master of his craft

Bring him back regularly and SOON. He's been great for almost 50 years.

Sound was crisp & clean. Taj was just plain fantastic. Realy tight trio of musicians. Fun, Fun, Fun! MN Zoo is a great venue but for an older guy, the bench seats are hard to take for an extended time period. Next time I'll bring a cushion.

The Taj Mahal Trio didn't disappoint as the headliner for the 1st Annual Riverbend Blues Festival in Mankato, MN on July 2, 2011. The venue was excellent for this type of music festival, the only disappointment was the lack of Festival goers. The whole atmosphere was great from the vendors to the security people and spectators. The other bands were Great!, but I came to see the Legendary Taj Mahal on a gorgeous summer day/evening and left a very happy fan! I hope next year see's a much larger fan base and more great music. Mankato is on to something here, I came down from Hibbing, MN for the show and feel it was worth the long drive!

Mavis Staples and Taj Mahal! What a great combination. The mixing of blues with African,and Caribbean sounds made for a pleasurable evening. The Mn Zoo a wonderful venue and beautiful weather.

We couldn't believe there were so few people at this event! The quality of the music was exceptional, the sound system was great and the site was beautiful, there were no long lines at the concessions, a full bar, friendly workers...the list could continue indefinitely.

So full of joy and soul. How old are they? Mavis can still belt it out, Taj can still shake that tail feather

While Taj Mahal headlined the event, for me the reason for attending was Mavis Staples! I would've preferred a double set of Mavis and skipped Taj.

Mavis and Taj still ROCK !!! I'm old enough to remember the Freedom Songs and the 'real Blues'. Nobody does it better. The ZOO is a perfect site for the best performers. Even if it had rained, we would have been there for the last note !

The show was amazing, my first at the Portland Zoo. We were a bit late and still got a great spot on the grass. The weather was good and everyone was super nice and friendly. I am so glad I got to experience Taj Mahal again in such a wonderful environment.

Concert should have been titled Joan Osborne with Taj Mahal as Joan played EVERY song from her album~~~Taj played only 2 songs I recognized and the rest of the 1 hour performance was just jamming like a practice session. I feel I DID NOT get what I paid for! I was VERY disappointed, this coming from someone who has been to8 of his concerts over the years. He should have realized his fan base would expect to hear some of the oldies such as :little schoolgirl", Buy you a Chevro, etc

Great venue, perfect seats and wonderful music. Never been to the zoo concerts or seen Taj Majal, now I am a forever fan of both.

Taj was sensational. The range of blues styles, sounds and moods they can fit smoothly into an hour or so is amazing. Every song was fresh and thoroughly enjoyable. Not to be missed, really, even by casual fans of the blues.

When Joan said she was going to play her album "[mumble]" all the way through, I thought we were hearing an early treat of a new album. It turned out to be Relish, and while I really like it, I was hoping for new material. Hearing Relish 15 years later was fun but not great. Joan and her band sounded nice, but then the Taj Mahal Trio took the stage and showed what a soupcon Joan is. He projected the blues in a way that made Joan's repeats sound shallow. At least she didn't have to follow him. Everything he did, with the possible exception of the ABC song on a keyboard, was first rate and held me to the show.

Lovely evening. Not too corwded with plenty of room to dance. Great sets by both performers.

Wasn't completely thrilled with Joan Osborne, although her band was top notch (especially the guitar player). Taj sounded great, but I prefer him surrounded by a bigger band with the west African players.

Taj Mahal was great, Joan Osborne's voice was way off. New Zoo food layout was good except they closed the beer & wine booth close to the crowd early. Also need separate beer & wine set up, lines too long with people picking out wine.

Joan Osbourne brought her Old Kentucky bluesie self and wowed a happy crowd of obvious fans. Performing old favorites, she probably looked out at what looked like a sea of people singing along with her. Taj Mahal then took a turn into true Bluesville and had the crowd bumping to the first and third beats. It was a beautiful evening and as always, the Oregon Zoo provided an absolutely perfect venue for some really happy fans of all ages.

Leading off with a driving instrumental, Taj shook off any doubts about his chops and commitment. His trio gigs in recent years have sometimes seemed pretty lazy, but pushed hard by a rhythm section that seemed to be as old as himself, he romped through mostly familiar material in the strongest voice he has ever had, sneaking in occasional Howlin' Wolf asides, and mining all his guitar abilities in styles ranging from Elmore James to Charlie Christian, Muddy Waters to Jimmy Nolen, and a fascinating sidetrip to West Africa. He used all his vaudeville tricks, invoking big legged women seemingly in every song, pulled the crowd in at will, and played the audience just like another instrument. He devoted some time to a keyboard and played one song on banjo, a nice way to keep everything fresh in the small group format. This was journeyman blues at it's best, in the wonderful setting of the Oregon Zoo, a great start to their summer concert series.

I was thrilled that Osborne was playing the entire "Relish"-I bought tickets to see her. But she seemed winded at at times plain tired, and her voice lacked the strength and range that makes me a huge fan. Zoo concerts are always fun, but I needed to play the album on my ride home to satisfy my Joan Osborne fix.

If you want a valuable, lasting cultural education on the state of Blues in America, I recommend that you hustle yourself off to the next opportunity to experience Taj Mahal which comes your way. Once he begins to work his particular brand of music magic, you may not know exactly why you are moved, but you will be moved. And if you are not moved, then you are dead and just don't know it yet. Every song that comes out of the man is accurate and spot on. Taj reads and feeds off the energy of the moment, and then delivers appropriate pieces of himself, of his experience, of his American Blues, back to the audience accordingly, whether it has a Zydeco, or Delta, or Memphis, or Boogie-Woogie, or French-African, or whatever flavor. Many of his songs are at once sublimely simplistic in form and yet subtly complex in rendition and dynamics. I have seen Taj with both his Trio and a larger group; it matters little. His bands are always populated with top-notch players whom always complement his performances. You won't be disappointed with any aspects of his shows, which are under his control. Joan Osborne was the opening act and she remains a compelling and relevant artist. On this night, she performed the entire Relish album. She dances on the edge, with her gravely, seductive vocals, and just when you think she's not going to pull a phrase off, she does, with aplomb. I would pay to see her as a headline act. To get her as an opener, is kind of like getting your icing before the cake.

Although I really liked Taj Mahal, Joan Osborne stole the show. She came out and announced that she and her band were going to play the entire "Relish" album from beginning to end. That is one of my favorite albums of all time, and she sang it wonderfully well. Her band sounded great, and was well up to the task of re-creating (and improving upon) the album. After playing "Spider Web", Joan said that she had only sang the next tune once or twice in concert because she was kind of embarrassed by it, and then launched into a playful version of "Let's Just Get Naked". Afterward, she signed autographs for everyone who bought a copy of the CD.

There were two great performances at the Oregon Zoo on a lovely evening. Taj was masterful, as usual. Great blues, great Caribbean sounds. Joan Osborne sounded a little rough at first, but her voice improved as the set progressed. The mix did no favors - there was a nasty mid-treble spike for the first half hour or so. Still, great music. I finally got to hear "Let's Just Get Naked" live. This is one of the all-time rock ballads. Tenderness flows from the wreckage of relationship stripped of sentimentality. It her best composition, though she seems embarrassed by it.