Taj Mahal Biography
Henry Saint Clair Fredericks, 17 May 1940, New York City, New York, USA. The son of a West Indian jazz arranger, Taj Mahal developed his early interest in black music by studying its origins while at the University of Massachusetts. After graduating with a BA in Agriculture, he began performing in Boston clubs, before moving to the west coast in 1965. The artist was a founder member of the legendary Rising Sons, a respected folk rock group that also included guitarist Ry Cooder and Spirit drummer Ed Cassidy. Mahal resumed his solo career when the band's projected debut album was shelved. His first solo album, Taj Mahal, released in 1968, was a powerful, yet intimate, compendium of electrified country blues that introduced an early backing band of Jesse "Ed" Davis (guitar), Gary Gilmore (bass) and Chuck Blakwell (drums). A second album, The Natch'l Blues, offered similarly excellent fare while extending his palette to include interpretations of two soul songs. This early period reached its apogee with Giant Step/De Ole Folks At Home, a double album comprising a traditional-styled acoustic album and a vibrant rock selection. Following this album, Mahal continued to broaden his remarkable canvas. The Real Thing, recorded in-concert, featured support from a tuba section. The singer's exploration of ethnic styles resulted in the African-American persuasion of Happy Just To Be Like I Am and the West Indian influence of Mo' Roots.
Mahal has maintained his chameleon-like quality over a succession of cultured releases during the subsequent decades. He has also branched out into composing movie and television scores, and has recorded albums of children's music. He remains a popular live attraction, performing with a fluctuating backing group, known initially as the Intergalactic Soul Messengers, then later as the International Rhythm Band. In the 90s Mahal's music veered more closely towards soul and R&B. His interpretations of Doc Pomus' "Lonely Avenue" and the Dave Bartholomew/Fats Domino classic "Let The Four Winds Blow' were particularly noteworthy on 1996"s Phantom Blues, as was the work of session men Jon Cleary (piano) and Mick Weaver (organ).
Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.
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