Taj Mahal can mix the reggae with the Americana and not sound stilted in doing so.
And he did just that on “Queen Bee.”
The lead single from Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa (March 8) is rooted in Jamaica but grounded in Mahal’s home country as Dobro man Rob Ikes slides a solo between Mahal’s rich vocals before the song goes out with a twang and a bang.
If anyone else tried this combo, they’d sound like they were forcing it. And they would be. But for Mahal, still in strong voice at 81 despite a crack here and there, it’s just natch’l.
Disclaimer: This is a list of shows I've watched or rewatched this year and loved. Not all released in 2023. This is specific to me and my blog but anyone is welcome to vote and reblog.