Taj Mahal - The Essential (2005)


The Essential Taj Mahal pulls together the bluesman's Columbia, Warner, 
Gramavision Private Music, and Hannibal labels' recordings, making it the 
first truly cross-licensed compilation of his work. Given the depth and breadth of this set 
(it covers four decades), the listener gets not only a cross-sectional view of the artist, 
but also his innovative and idiosyncratic journey through the blues: Mahal has not only 
kept the tradition alive, he's expanded it and deepened it, tracing its roots and developments 
through the course of American, Caribbean, and African cultures. While there is no unreleased 
material here, there doesn't need to be. The sheer adventure in these recordings reveals the 
wealth of the contribution Mahal has made not only to the blues, but to popular culture both 
present and past. This is a comp to own, to be moved by, and to ultimately enjoy. Columbia 
issued a three-CD set earlier, but there were things there that needed to be trimmed. 
This leaner and meaner version is superior. 
~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

  DISC 1:
 
  01. Leaving Trunk 
  02. Statesboro Blues 
  03. Celebrated Walking Blues, The 
  04. She Caught The Katy (And Left Me A Mule To Ride) 
  05. Corinna 
  06. Going Up The Country Gonna Paint My Mailbox 
  07. Take A Giant Step 
  08. Six Days On The Road 
  09. Country Blues 
  10. Fishin' Blues 
  11. Ain't Gwine Whistle Dixie (Anymo') 
  12. You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond 
  13. Happy To Be Just Like I Am 
  14. West Indian Revelation 
  15. Texas Woman Blues 
  16. Cake Walk Into Town 
  17. Frankie & Albert 
  18. Railroad Bill 

  DISC 2:
 
  01. Johnny Too Bad 
  02. Slave Driver 
  03. St. Kitts Woman, (Clara) 
  04. When I Feel Teh Sea Beneath My Soul 
  05. Satisfied 'N' Tickled Too 
  06. Love Theme In The Key Of D 
  07. Everybody Is Somebody 
  08. Crossing 
  09. Don't Call Us 
  10. Big Legged Mamas Are Back In Style 
  11. That's How Strong My Love Is 
  12. Here In The Dark 
  13. Lovin' In My Baby's Eyes 
  14. Senor Blues 
  15. New Hula Blues, The 
  16. Queen Bee 
  17. Cruisin' 
  18. John Henry - (with Etta Baker)