Singer/songwriter/composer/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 support of his new album “Maestro” to be released on September 30. The tour kicks off September 25 in Napa, CA and concludes November 30 in Seattle, WA, with eight nights at Jazz Alley. Mahal is also playing double night engagements in Chicago, IL and Brownfield, ME. At least three more concerts will be scheduled.
“Maestro” is his first U.S. recording in five years and marks the 40th anniversary of Mahal’s 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 Mahal’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 Mahal’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 said in a statement. “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 Mahal itinerary:
(Dates subject to change)
| September 25 | Napa, CA | Napa Valley Opera House |
| September 26 | Redding, CA | Cascade Theater |
| September 27 | Arcata, CA | Van Duzer Theatr |
| September 28 | Bend. OR | Tower Theatre |
| October 2 | Glenside, PA | Keswick Theatre |
| October 3 | Tarrytown, NY | Tarrytown Music Hall |
| October 5 | Washington D.C. | Duke Ellington Jazz Festival |
| October 9 | Oberlin, OH | Finney Chapel at Oberlin College |
| October 10-11 | Chicago, IL | Morse Theatre |
| October 12 | Minneapolis, MN | Fitzgerald Theater |
| October 15 | Missoula, MT | University Theater |
| October 16 | Idaho Falls, ID | Idaho Falls Performing Arts Center |
| October 17 | Boise, ID | Egyptian Theatre |
| October 18 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Depot |
| October 21 | Tucson, AZ | Rialto Theatre or Fox |
| October 22 | Solana Beach, CA | Belly Up Tavern |
| October 25 | San Francisco, CA | The Fillmore (featuring Phantom Blues Band and special guests) |
| November 1 | Troy, NY | Troy Savings Bank Music Hall |
| November 3-4 | Brownfield, ME | Stone Mountain Arts Center |
| November 5 | New London, CT | Garde Arts Center |
| November 6 | Wilmington, DE | The Grand Opera House |
| November 7 | Great Barrington, MA | The Mahaiwe Theatre |
| November 8 | Fall River, MA | Narrows Center for the Arts |
| November 21-23, 25-26, 28-30 | Seattle, WA | Jazz Alley |
