Taj Mahal redefines the description of mellow. Not that he doesn't try, but no matter what he tackles, his soulful, but well-broken-in leathery vocals put a unique stamp on the material, making it sound world weary even when upbeat. His collaborations with Keb Mo, whose picture could be displayed beside a definition of mellow, seems to bring out the softer side. The two first joined forces in 2017 for the Grammy winning TajMo.
Their latest get-together, Room On The Porch, on Concord Records, is a laid back celebration of friends and family, with both of their sons playing on the record as well.
The title cut sets the tone for the project, as the two invite all comers to their family get-together: “All our friends are now your friends, that’s how we do it here,” Mo croons. Taj interjects more specific instructions on behavior at the gathering: “The problem with the world these day / Is people hide what they should say / But not today, speak your mind and set yourself free.” Nashville-based singer/activist Ruby Amanfu adds some Dolly Parton-tinged vocals to the mix as well.
