Seth—I am a big fan of Taj Mahal. I saw him live at Sanders Theatre on Harvard’s campus in the early 70’s. It is a small amphitheater. I don’t remember titles but have a great memory for lyrics.
Two of my favorites are (1) I’m a going fishing all the time. My baby’s going fishing too. You can bet your life, your sweet wife is gonna catch more fish than you. Many fish bites if you got good bait and here’s a little tale that I would like to relate. With my pole and my line. I’m a going fishing, yeah I’m going fishing and my baby’s going fishing too. Love it.
(2) The second one begins, “ Annie’s lover was a big old man he was an African man. He never spent no time wondering ‘bout the people in the big, big city.” Loved that one too
Do you remember him in the movie Sounder with Cicily (sp?) Tyson. When people said “mornin’ to him he would reply “ Mornin’ backatcha.”
The show June 1st at the Tent made noted local blues player and follower say he thought this may have been Taj’s best performance in a number of years.
His singing (range, Chicago-style voice and contortions) made me think Willie Dixon was covering Mr. Mahal’s lines.
The show in Wellfleet was a quartet, this time the TajMo band was reaching back to the Phantom Blues Band days, sans horns.
The two women featured in recent the most recent recording shows with Keb Mo and Taj were players with harmonies and dance moves markedly different when compared to Taj’s talented and substantial daughters in previous shows. They are featured on the 2024 TajMo recording along with Chatham’s Reggie Carter who showed the crowd it is time to respect the locals like him.
When it was time to let Taj slowly shuffle-dance off after the encore, the band and most of the crowd stood facing their favorite Springfield native and Western Mass blues ambassador with a worthy send off. I was lucky to see this show. Don’t miss them next time.
I was there at the Melody Tent as well for the Taj concert with Reggie Carter! We started to play the shakers but the audience thought it was inappropriate. Taj stopped playing to tell us to keep playing! We had a great time thanks to Taj! 🤩
Got to see Keb Mo and Taj together the last time they were here. Certainly a treat, and really enjoyed Taj’s daughters as back up singers.
And last year saw Keb for his solo, promotion of his new record, concert. He was totally in control
and it was a perfect evening.
Fell in love with Taj first, way back around the early 2000’s when I was also listening to the Meters, the Yellowjackets, Uncle Tupelo and others. Always loved George Clinton too.
First heard Taj Mahal In DC as a high school senior in 1966!!! Could drink at 18!!!
Ah he wrote our wedding song - Farther on Down the Road. Seen him a few times at Fest, always, always a transcending experience. Long live Taj!
Seth—I am a big fan of Taj Mahal. I saw him live at Sanders Theatre on Harvard’s campus in the early 70’s. It is a small amphitheater. I don’t remember titles but have a great memory for lyrics.
Two of my favorites are (1) I’m a going fishing all the time. My baby’s going fishing too. You can bet your life, your sweet wife is gonna catch more fish than you. Many fish bites if you got good bait and here’s a little tale that I would like to relate. With my pole and my line. I’m a going fishing, yeah I’m going fishing and my baby’s going fishing too. Love it.
(2) The second one begins, “ Annie’s lover was a big old man he was an African man. He never spent no time wondering ‘bout the people in the big, big city.” Loved that one too
Do you remember him in the movie Sounder with Cicily (sp?) Tyson. When people said “mornin’ to him he would reply “ Mornin’ backatcha.”
Fond memories.
Lou Cerrone
Love this Lou, though will offer a slight possible revision on one line from Fishin' Blues, at least as I heard it back when:
You can bet your life, and your sweet wife, I'm gonna catch more fish than you.
:)
Thank you for bringing this wonderful piece on Taj Mahal to us. I
wish I’d been in town to hear him in person. I’ve loved his music since brother Brian introduced me to it back in the 80s.
Big thanks Robin, glad you enjoyed it.
The local bluesologist in paragraph one is Centerville’s Dave Nastasi. The most recent TajMo recording was released in May 2025.
The show June 1st at the Tent made noted local blues player and follower say he thought this may have been Taj’s best performance in a number of years.
His singing (range, Chicago-style voice and contortions) made me think Willie Dixon was covering Mr. Mahal’s lines.
The show in Wellfleet was a quartet, this time the TajMo band was reaching back to the Phantom Blues Band days, sans horns.
The two women featured in recent the most recent recording shows with Keb Mo and Taj were players with harmonies and dance moves markedly different when compared to Taj’s talented and substantial daughters in previous shows. They are featured on the 2024 TajMo recording along with Chatham’s Reggie Carter who showed the crowd it is time to respect the locals like him.
When it was time to let Taj slowly shuffle-dance off after the encore, the band and most of the crowd stood facing their favorite Springfield native and Western Mass blues ambassador with a worthy send off. I was lucky to see this show. Don’t miss them next time.
I was there at the Melody Tent as well for the Taj concert with Reggie Carter! We started to play the shakers but the audience thought it was inappropriate. Taj stopped playing to tell us to keep playing! We had a great time thanks to Taj! 🤩
Wow! So cool, that’s amazing.
Got to see Keb Mo and Taj together the last time they were here. Certainly a treat, and really enjoyed Taj’s daughters as back up singers.
And last year saw Keb for his solo, promotion of his new record, concert. He was totally in control
and it was a perfect evening.
Fell in love with Taj first, way back around the early 2000’s when I was also listening to the Meters, the Yellowjackets, Uncle Tupelo and others. Always loved George Clinton too.
What a delightful way to start a sweet June morning. Many thanks