Track Listing

1. Johnny Too Bad
2. Black Jack Davey
3. Big Mama
4. Cajun Waltz
5. Slave Driver
6. Why Did You Have to Desert Me?
7. Desperate Lover
8. Clara (St. Kitts Woman)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #175997 in Music
• Released on: 1992-06-16
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com essential recording
On this 1974 recording, Taj Mahal ventures beyond blues and soul to explore the Caribbean side of his heritage. He sings in Spanish on "Why Did You Have to Desert Me?", translates the Anglo folk song "Blackjack Davey" to reggae, and covers the Slickers ("Johnny Too Bad") and Bob Marley ("Slave Driver"). His smoked-glass voice evokes a stormy swamp on "Cajun Waltz" and a sunny island on "Clara (St. Kitts Woman)." Rather than mimicking Third World styles, Mahal incorporates them into his own folk and blues-based aesthetic, while humorously nodding back to Otis Redding again on "Big Mama." --Rick Mitchell

Customer Reviews

One of my top ten favorite abums ever!
I've got "Dancin the Blues" and "Like Never Before" but I still keep coming back to this album. This album sets me free. I play it constantly and I got it in the seventies. I think Taj is the coolest guy on the planet. Cajun Waltz makes me grab my wife and dance her around the room. His musical sense and timing I can't begin to describe. All the songs are very unique and unlike anything I've ever heard. Give this one a shot. I've never turned anyone on to this album that didn't love it.

A great classic from the 70's
I saw Taj twice in the 1970's, what a treat! His music still holds up so well. I'd highly recommend this to any one who enjoys great music done by a naturally gifted musician.

The Versatile Taj Mahal
If you are familiar with Taj, you know this is a classic. Had it on tape that I converted to CD, but needed to have the released CD version (originally released on vinyl). If you like Taj and appreciate Cajun/Calypso, this is a must have! Better yet, see him in concert, you won't be dissapointed.