Coconut Man - Taj Mahal & The Hula Blues Band, Hibbert, Frederic
Sacred Island (Moku La'a)
Betty and Dupree - Taj Mahal & The Hula Blues Band, Willis, Chuck [1]
The New Hula Blues
No Na Mamo - Taj Mahal & The Hula Blues Band, Andrade, Carlos
Mailbox Blues
Kanikapila - Taj Mahal & The Hula Blues Band, Costa, Rudy
After decades as a bluesman, Taj Mahal has earned his place in the pantheon of American music. But this takes him to a slightly different place: Hawaii, where he made his home for a number of years. He's always had a relax... more »ed approach to music, and the Islands must have been a perfect fit for him. But Mahal has also had a long interest in the music of the Caribbean, so it's interesting to hear him adapt Toots's ska classic, "Monkey Man," to his style, on the tropically flavored "Coconut Man." Whatever he tackles, however, the blues is at the basis of everything he does; it's part of his soul now. But there are, as he shows, as many ways to approach the blues as there are bluesmen. His experience and innovation have made Mahal one of the great second (or possibly third) generation blues figures. It's nice to know he hasn't stopped pushing the envelope. --Chris Nickson« less
After decades as a bluesman, Taj Mahal has earned his place in the pantheon of American music. But this takes him to a slightly different place: Hawaii, where he made his home for a number of years. He's always had a relaxed approach to music, and the Islands must have been a perfect fit for him. But Mahal has also had a long interest in the music of the Caribbean, so it's interesting to hear him adapt Toots's ska classic, "Monkey Man," to his style, on the tropically flavored "Coconut Man." Whatever he tackles, however, the blues is at the basis of everything he does; it's part of his soul now. But there are, as he shows, as many ways to approach the blues as there are bluesmen. His experience and innovation have made Mahal one of the great second (or possibly third) generation blues figures. It's nice to know he hasn't stopped pushing the envelope. --Chris Nickson
This is get-down, funky, beautiful, soulful, Taj at his best
01/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the very beginning, the Calypsonians, this CD grabs ahold of you. I listen to it in my car but I mainly listen to it while I stretch out and do yoga after I walk in the mornings. The 3rd cut, Sacred island, is a particularly haunting and beautiful instrumental that combines slack guitar, ukelele, kalimba, flute and saxophone in the most natural way. I can barely describe the effect this CD has on me every time I listen to it. I've always been a Taj fan (since I saw him in San Francisco in 1971 at the Boarding House where he sang to my fussy baby (now 28 yrs old). Every CD he puts out pushes the "coolness" envelope a little further and this is no exception. Thanks, Taj, and fans, don't miss it!!!"
More great sounds from an accomplished artist
dale caudwell | Comox B.C. Canada | 06/11/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's not every day you get to experience a new sound from an old friend. Sacred Island by Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues Band is the kind of CD that you want to play again and again. It's catchy rhythyms fused by Tajs love of Hawaiian Music blended together for upbeat arrangements.
Outstanding cuts include "Cocunut Man", "Sacred Island" and the traditional blues offering "Mailbox Blues". Not a bad song in the bunch and the only reason I gave it 4 stars was that it didn't have more tracks. An excellent effort from a master of blues. Stretch out in your favorite lounge chair, grab a cool one and let your mind drift away with Taj Mahal at the wheel"
Wow...........loose and easy
world class wreckin cru | 08/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a happy little cd. We heard it playing in a store while shopping and HAD to have it. We have alot of Hawaiian music and love the blues......perfect combination. Don't miss this one, you'll love it."
Swinging and Swaying
John Knott | Pennsylvania | 04/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Been a fan for quite a few years, and he just keeps getting better. This has a true island flavor, but it's well mixed with a solid blues sound. Sacred Island and No Na Maho show the former. Mailbox Blues is traditional. And Betty and Dupree is just solid lowdown dirty dancing music. Hard to pin it down to one style, so lay back and enjoy them all."