Enjoying More Tunes with Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' in the Second Round
Veteran Blues Artists Unveil Harmonious Collaboration
Grammy-winning musicians Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal have recently joined forces once more, culminating in the release of their second collaborative album, "Room On the Porch." Two decades since their first encounter, their relationship remains rooted in a shared love for blues, jazz, gospel, camaraderie, and travel.
"Room On the Porch" represents a mesmerizing blend of genres, showcasing the artists' mastery of their respective crafts. According to Keb' Mo', the chemistry between them is palpable: "When we work together, we comprehend each other inherently. The first record took a lot of effort, with Taj bringing a finesse earned through years of dedication and hard work. I am fortunate to be the recipient of his artistry, allowing me the ability to express myself authentically."
The pair initially crossed paths over 50 years ago, when Keb' Mo' watched Taj Mahal perform at a school assembly during his time as a student at Compton High School. Despite this initial encounter, it wasn't until they began working together on their 2017 debut project, "TajMo," that they truly connected.
One of Keb' Mo's early favorites was "The Natch'l Blues," a seminal album from Taj Mahal's discography, which he studied diligently before embarking on his own musical journey. The artists have reminisced about their shared history, discussing iconic records, such as Sly Stone's work and the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive."
For "Room On the Porch," Keb' Mo' aimed to capture the essence of live recording, composing and recording songs within a few weeks in Nashville's Addiction Sound Studios and his own studio, Stu-Stu-Studio. Initially, Taj Mahal was welcoming of the fast-paced approach, finding it organic, although Keb' Mo' now acknowledges it was a daring proposal that proved arduous.
Delivering an album that commands attention in today's saturated musical landscape is crucial, according to Keb' Mo'. "A great song— the 'song, the song, and the song'— can make a lasting impact, regardless of whether it takes two takes or hundreds. It's about creating something compelling that people can't help but listen to."
The title track, "Room On the Porch," features additional vocals from Ruby Amanfu (Sam & Ruby, The Peacocks) and stood out immediately as a versatile and endearing gem. The heartfelt and inclusive recording process, with Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', and Amanfu all harmonizing, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration on the album.
"Every morning, I wake up to 'Room On the Porch,'" says Taj Mahal, expressing his pride in having spent over 20 years cultivating a song that would finally see the light of day. Among his favorites is "Junkyard Dog," which he continues to appreciate more with each listen.
Notable crowd-pleasers on the album include "Better Than Ever," featuring soulful co-writer and vocalist Wendy Moten, and "Room On the Porch," with its timely exploration of friendship, community, and camaraderie.
Despite initial reservations about making another TajMo album, Keb' Mo' reveals that he now appreciates this latest collaboration even more than their initial effort. "Sometimes opportunity presents itself, and you may not realize its significance. If I commit to a project, I'm all-in—hopefully, the record brings joy and inspiration to its listeners."
"In the studio, Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal recorded their second collaborative album, 'Room On the Porch', at Nashville's Addiction Sound Studios and Stu-Stu-Studio, showcasing their mastery of sound recording in the entertainment industry."
"Throughout the recording process, they experimented with various genres, including blues, jazz, and gospel, demonstrating the authenticity and versatility of their music collaboration."
