Taj Mahal - The Natch'l Blues (1968 us, Electric Blues)

Taj Mahal - The Natch'l Blues (1968 us, Electric Blues)

Taj Mahal (formerly Henry Saint Clair Frederick) literally was born to play the blues. Growing up in a musical household, his musical pedigree would be defined by the gospel music of his mother and the West Indian jazz arrangements of his father. Classical piano lessons resulted, plus mastering the harmonica and acoustic guitar. His organic understanding of music was reflected in academic pursuits of farming, a passion he maintained in addition to his music.

Taj moved to California and formed a blues group with Ry Cooder that failed to generate commercial success. Subsequently, he started working with iconic blues players, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy and Lightnin' Hopkins, developing his distinctive singing and playing. He recorded with the Rolling Stones (appearing in the groundbreaking Rock and Roll Circus), and released a self-titled debut album for Columbia Records. His career over the next four decades elevated his status to legendary.

Natch'l Blues, originally released in 1968, is a transformative album. It combines traditional blues with modern sound production. “Good Morning Miss Brown” sets a rhythmic tone with a jazzy acoustic steel guitar, walking piano bass line, and soulful vocals. There are numerous hooks that make the songs vibrant. “The Cuckoo”, a medium-paced number has an infectious electric guitar groove that works in tandem with Taj's discerning harp work.

The harp playing has a natural, understated quality, which is displayed on the instrumental, "Things Are Gonna Work Out Fine" (one of three bonus tracks on the album), as he and Jesse Ed Davis exchange urgent leads, fixed in counterpoint. On the frequently covered, "Corinna", a country aesthetic is rendered with the harp licks, blending seamlessly with the song's tempo.1 Good Morning Miss Brown - 0:00

2 Corinna (Jesse Ed Davis) - 3:15

3 I Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Steal My Jellyroll - 6:18

4 Going Up To The Country, Paint My Mailbox Blue - 9:32

5 Done Changed My Way Of Living - 13:09

6 She Caught The Katy And Left Me A Mule To Ride (Taj Mahal, James A. Rachell) - 20:13

7 The Cuckoo (Traditional) - 23:43

8 You Don't Miss Your Water ('Til Your Well Runs Dry) (William Bell) - 27:57

9 Ain't That A Lot Of Love (Homer Banks, William Dean Parker) - 32:23

10 The Cuckoo (Traditional) - 36:24

11 New Stranger Blues - 39:45

12 Things Are Gonna Work Out Fine - 45:24


All songs written by Taj Mahal except where noted
Bonus Tracks 10-12


Musicians

*Taj Mahal - Vocals, National Steel Guitar, Harmonica
*Jesse Ed Davis - Guitar, Piano
*Al Cooper - Piano
*Gary Gilmore - Bass
*Chuck Blackwell - Drums
*Earl Palmer - Drums



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