This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Taj Mahal, "Maestro"
Grade: A-
Taj Mahal's new 12-song CD, "Maestro," released to commemorate his 40th year in the music business, doesn't catch the roots music legend resting on his multiple laurels.
Instead, he's actually forging new material by collaborating with artists who revere Mahal and his achievements.
Among the best efforts are his collaboration with Ben Harper on the self-penned "Dust Me Down," and his inspired Fats Domino cover "Hello Josephine," with the New Orleans Social Club.
It's Taj's first American release in five years, and unlike some of these master-pupil duet albums that have come along recently, this one was worth the wait.
- Scott Murphy
