Shoutin' in Key: Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band Live [LIVE]

Taj Mahal

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 20, 2000)
• Original Release Date: June 20, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Hannibal
• ASIN: B00004TJVI
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #208,352 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Recorded live over three nights in Los Angeles in 1998, Shoutin' in Key provides an accurate snapshot of late-1990s Taj and his all-inclusive view of the blues. In fact, blues is really just one ingredient in a stew that offers hard-driving, horn-fueled R&B, gently swaying Caribbean-style rhythms, slow-burning soul, loose reggae jams, 12-bar stomps, smart jazzy grooves, and polished country-blues updates. On this album, he's most compelling the further afield he moves. His reading of Delroy Wilson's "Rain from the Sky," a Jamaican standard, is a highlight here, as is his own Latin-jazz-infused instrumental, "Sentidos Dulce." And he delivers fine readings of signature songs like "Mail Box Blues," "Corrina," and "Leavin' Trunk" as well. While he's not at his most consistently inspired throughout, there are certainly enough high points to make this a worthwhile introduction to the Mahal style. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A master at the top of his game, June 25, 2000

By	John Owen "John Owen" (Salem MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Theeze days, the blues too often seem to be played by hormonal youngsters who skipped straight to the full-throated showboating of Stevie Ray Vaughan or Buddy Guy without stopping to learn the subtlety of Albert King, Muddy Waters, or even Robert Johnson.

Taj Mahal has never been one to strain himself keeping up with trends, but has been happy to trace his own path. Sometimes that path got a little wierd, but by keeping the faith of the aforementioned players, "Shoutin' in Key" represents a massive return to form of the most underrated of all the performers who played (the original) Woodstock.

Backed by a tight ensemble and blessed with the best and cleanest sound I have ever heard from a live blues recording, Taj Mahal lives up to the promise of the album's title, wringing great energy out of old and new songs, while never resorting to pyrotechnics or volume to compensate for a lack of ideas. On the contrary, each cut on this album is played with fierce originality and freshness. Songs like "Corrina, Corrina," or "Leavin' Trunk" absolutely cook, complemented by fantastic bandwork and swinging, economical solos.

With this recording, blues fans will find a refreshing break from the overheated riffage of too much current blues, and a reminder that great blues doesn't have to mean screaming at 200 mph.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Blends all sorts of musical flavors into a refined amalgam, March 3, 2003

By	loce_the_wizard "loce_the_wizard" (Lilburn, GA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This cleanly recorded, live set from Taj Mahal backed by the excellent, tight Phantom Blues Band, blends all sorts of musical flavors into a refined amalgam. The strain, stress, and anguish that make too many forays into contemporary blues a sure-fire ticket for a migraine are cast aside for grace, craft, and smoothness. On the other hand, there is enough edge here to add texture. In many ways, the energy, vibe, and diversity here remind me of the superb but obscure "Rust" by Kevin Brown, must more so than the largely sterile renderings from say Eric Clapton.

Everything comes together without sounding contrived or forced, and Taj Mahal, as always, marches to his own drum beat (well, actually some snappy percussion work from Tony Braunagel). Mick Weaver, a fellow who has sat in with about everybody at one time or another, handles the keyboards deftly. Danny Freeman, who cut his chops with the borthers Vaughan hits the right tone throughout, and Larry Fulcher clearly knows his way around on bass. The Texacali horns provide the bright seasoning, and Taj deftly stays out front without quashing everyone else's good time or taxing himself too much.

This recording would make a great soundtrack for a ramble through the country or a backyard cookout.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Blues!, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

Excellent show of years of blues vocals and experience! Taj Mahal is a legend in his own time.