Customer Reviews

Senor Blues

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having spent 39 of my 54 years as a working musician, I have spent a good portion of my time listening to and performing music. THIS IS ONE OF MY TOP 5 FAVORITE RECORDS OF ALL TIME!
It was joy to record, from the first note to the last, a joy to listen to in the studio booth as we listened to playbacks, and a thrill to hear as a finished product.
The tunes, even the ones that didn't make the finished CD, were a blast to play with the guys in the band. The combination of Taj's voice and the musicality of the Phantom Blues Band blended in the creation of a musical masterpiece.
Now, 5 years after recording it, I still listen to it regularly (which is rare for musicians, too self-critical), and I love it more and more all the time.
We really didn't know how the public or Taj's fans would react to it, it was simply where we were at musically and emotionally and spiritually at the time. But, we recorded it with love and passion and the public response was great. NO GUEST ARTISTS! Just Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band and John Porter producing. 1998 GRAMMY AWARD WINNER.
Personally, it's up there with "Kind of Blue"-Miles Davis, "A Love Supreme"-John Coltrane, Robert Johnson's "Complete Anthology", and Bob Marley's "Survival".
PEACE & ENJOY
Larry Fulcher - bassist
Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band

After reading Larry Fulcher's Spotlight Review, I hesitated - I mean, what am I gonna add to THAT? Well, let me say that I've written close to 110 music reviews and all but one(and Otis is long since gone..)have been Jazz reviews. So this CD is really the first non-jazz review. I don't think I could have picked a better one to begin with. "Senor Blues" (written by Horace Silver...so there is a segue, after all), the CD, is a brilliant statement, both musically and lyrically. It ALMOST usurps "The Real Thing" as my favorite Taj of all time (I'm into Live...) From the first finger-pickin' honey drippin' from "Queen Bee", to the unbelievably tight and minor mellow, but tough title track (the organ, and the trumpet work, is stunning), to the gospel-drenched indictment of our brave new world, "Things Gettin' Crazy Up In Here", to the gem - the gorgeous "21st Century Gypsy..." (check out the drum fill as it's fading out), to the Otis tribute (HEY! another segue..)"Mr. Pitiful", well let's just say it's the tightest, most soulful, personal statement from this Master in a while. If you've been waiting to get a Taj CD, don't. GET THIS ONE.

I had always been a fan of Taj's earlier recordings. I didn't get into this until I saw him in concert and he played "Queen Bee" (which inspired me to seek out this album). What an absolute gem. Quite possibly his greatest album. Every song on here is absolutely scorching, and such a wide variety of genres are represented. If this album doesn't move you, there's something quite wrong. Any fan of the blues or jazz, or just music in general should have this album.

I am constantly amazed at the breadth of Taj Mahal's musical talent. With "Senor Blues" he scores once again. It's all here: blues, jazz, rock, soul, and even country; all performed with alacrity by the versatile Mahal. My favorites are the hilarious "You Rascal You", the equally funny "Mind Your Own Business" and the jazz classic "Senor Blues".I've always heard the last as an instrumental, and a good one at that. I never knew the title cut had lyrics which are so banal as to be comical. Here is a song just begging to be parodied!There is not a bad song on the album and it is highly recommended to be given an honored place in any music lover's collection.

You take some soul, some old r & b, some jazz, some blues(of course), some country and some original songs and put them together with feeling, rhythm and skillful musical performances and you have a Taj Mahal cd. Taj never lets you down. He has an extensive interest in music of all kinds and expresses his love of it through his singing and playing.

It is always interesting to look at the songs he puts together on his cd. On this one Steve Cropper, Otis Redding, Horace Silver, Marvin Gaye, Washboard Sam, Delbert McClinton, Hank Williams (sr.) and of course the man himself Taj Mahal are represented songwriters. And amazingly it works, they all go together to form a cohesive cd. One of his originals 21st Century Gypsy Singin' Lover Man is a compelling new blues song.

I always have to discipline myself and not over play Taj Mahal, this CD included.

This is the first Taj disc I was exposed to. It is very well done including a cover of James Brown (Think), along with some original compositions. Basically there is good reason Taj has won several grammys of late, and if you get into his music you'll immediately understand. The title track and 21rst Century Gypsy Singin' Lover Man stand out on this set. Queen Bee is also a great song that opens the set, and my wife likes very well. Warning, once you discover this artist, you will find yourself digging deeper and deeper craving more. Not the worst thing that could happen to you, Check it Out!!

As his fans have come to expect, Taj Mahal on "Senor Blues" explores the diversity within the blues. He proves once again to be one of the most versatile bluesmen around, equally at ease with traditional songs like "Honey Bee" and "You Rascal You" as well as Otis Redding's "Mr. Pitiful". No matter what he plays, he plays and sings it well. Great CD.

Senor Music is what I call him. There is not a bad cut on this one. From the smooth opening track "Queen Bee" to the final track, Otis Redding's "Mr. Pitiful" (performed with every bit as much soul and conviction as the original, possibly more dare I say). My only dissappointment is when the disc is over, as I am reaching for the remote to start it again. I can't point out high points on the album, cuz every song is solid. This is what I call R&B PERFECTION.

From the first easy lick of "Honey Bee" to the intense piano solo in "Senor Blues" you will be amazed by the ease with which Taj Mahal changes mood and style. I second the motion! If you don't love this music, you are pulseless!

This is an amazing, original, varied, heart grabbing, booty shaking, head bobbing CD. This is the disc that could turn any music fan onto Taj. It comes through on the promise of Blues, Rock, World Music, and just plain human-Being expression. It has it all and in spades. Taj puts his whole soul into every song and performance. You can't ask for more.