Taj Mahal - Mumtaz Mahal (1995) [Blues][mp3 320][h33t][schon55]

Taj Mahal - Mumtaz Mahal

Original Release Date: May 16, 1995

Label: Water Lily Acoustics

Total time: 44:07

Bitrate: 320 kbps



Taj Mahal is joined by Indian master musicians N. Ravikiran and V.M. Bhatt on a selection of tunes that ultimately owe more to obvious blues clichés than they do to cross-cultural collaboration. Perhaps that's because nearly half of the album's tunes -- including Robert Johnson's 'Come on in My Kitchen,' 'Mary Don't You Weep,' and 'Johnny Too Bad' -- have long been staples of Taj Mahal's concert catalog. This isn't to say that the set doesn't have any moments of inspired improvisation and nuanced playing; there are a few instances of brilliance. But that seems a terrible waste of the talent gathered, unless the listener is looking for nothing more than an unlikely blues workout. ~ Brian Beatty, AMG



The passion heard in the selections nearly brings me to tears inside. for some reason this collaboration hits me right to the center of my heart and soul--like a type of music i've been waiting for and finally found. maybe there is a previously unreleased version of 'Amazing Grace' that will show up on a later digitally remastered disc. If only we could know what other songs they had considered incorporating. Yes..it's that Good ! Gospel-Blues-Reggae, it's all here for the taking. Cherish the moment over and over. ~ Dave P.



Personnel:

Taj Mahal (Vocal and Guitar)

Narasimhan Ravikian (Chitra Veena)

Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Mohan Veena)



Taj Mahal - Mumtaz Mahal Tracks:

01 Coming of the Mandinka (Taj Mahal) 5:14

02 Come On in My Kitchen (Robert Johnson) 11:31

03 Rolling on the Sea (Taj Mahal) 5:01

04 Mary Don't You Weep (Traditional/arr. Taj Mahal) 6:43

05 Stand by Me (Jerry Lieber) 7:02

06 Johhny Too Bad (Trevor Wilson) 5:47

07 Curry and Quartertones (Taj Mahal/Narisimhan Ravikian/V.M. Bhatt) 2:46