(PR) Composer and multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal, a two-time GRAMMY winner and one of the most influential American blues and roots artists of the past half-century, will embark on a nationwide tour in the final months of 2008 in support of Maestro (HUCD 3164), his September 30th release on Heads Up International. Maestro, Taj's first U.S. recording in five years, marks the 40th anniversary of his rich and diverse recording career by mixing original material with chestnuts from vintage sources and newcomers alike. Guests on this anniversary gala include Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj's music and guidance.
Much more than just a tribute to past glories, Maestro captures the same level of intensity and depth that has characterized every one of Taj's recordings since his self-titled debut album in 1968. Simply put, four decades have done nothing to dilute his energy quotient. "The one thing I've always demanded of the records I've made is that they be danceable," he says. "This record is danceable, it's listenable, it has lots of different rhythms, it's accessible, it's all right in front of you. It's a lot of fun, and it represents where I am at this particular moment in my life."
Taj's live show is a reflection of that same rhythm, accessibility and fun that characterize the new recording.
Thu Sept 25th Napa, CA Napa Valley Opera House
Fri Sept 26th Redding, CA Cascade Theater
Sat Sept 27th Arcata, CA Van Duzer Theatre
Sun Sept 28th Bend. OR Tower Theatre
Thu Oct 2nd Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
Fri Oct 3rd Tarrytown, NY Tarrytown Music Hall
Sat Oct 4th TBA
Sun Oct 5th Washington D.C. Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Thu Oct 9th Oberlin, OH Finney Chapel at Oberlin College
Fri Oct 10th Chicago, IL Morse Theatre
Sat Oct 11th Chicago, IL Morse Theatre
Sun Oct 12th Minneapolis, MN Fitzgerald Theater
Wed Oct 15th Missoula, MT University Theater
Thu Oct 16th Idaho Falls, ID Idaho Falls Performing Arts Center
Fri Oct 17th Boise, ID Egyptian Theatre
Sat Oct 18th Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
Sun Oct 19th TBA
Tue Oct 21 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre or Fox
Wed Oct 22nd Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
Thu Oct 23rd TBA
Sat Oct 25th San Francisco, CA The Fillmore (Featuring Phantom Blues Band and Special Guests)
Sat Nov 1st Troy, NY Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Mon Nov 3rd Brownfield, ME Stone Mountain Arts Center
Tue Nov 4th Brownfield, ME Stone Mountain Arts Center
Wed Nov 5th New London, CT Garde Arts Center
Thu Nov 6th Wilmington, DE The Grand Opera House
Fri Nov 7th Great Barrington, MA The Mahaiwe Theatre
Sat Nov 8th Fall River, MA Narrows Center for the Arts
Nov 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30 Seattle, WA Jazz Alley
