Dancing The Blues - Taj Mahal

Advantages: Who else has a left hand like Jools?
Disadvantages: Some tracks sound similar.

...Be Around. The lyrics are bitter and the music is fabulous...I can never resist belting this out along with my CD! Another rockier, grittier number is up next with I'm Ready by Steve Winwood which contrasts with track number 17 (Marc Almond's Say Hello and Wave Goodbye). Mick Hucknall and his instantly recognisable voice come in next with T-Bone Shuffle, and this is followed by Paul Carrick's It's So Blue, another catchy track. Two very unique voices start to wrap things up with Taj Mahal singing Outskirts of Town and Jamiroquai singing I'm In the Mood for Love, another one of my personal favourites off the album. Finally, Eric Clapton takes us out with a bang with his What Would I do Without You. Throughout the album, Jools and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra bring their own unique sound to the music, but always allow the performer(s) taking... Read review

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Advantages: Compiled for kids
Disadvantages: None

...This is a compilation CD, part of proceeds of which go to the non-profit makig charity Putuymay Cross-Cultural Initiative - see www.putuamayo.org for more information on their work. It is a collection of tracks of music from different artists in different continents around the world that have been recorded to appeal to children. The cover notes say that the '12 Tracks take children and their fmailies on an inspiring musical and cultural journey around the world'. It is guaranteed to make you feel good, they add. The tracks are as follows: 1. Toure Kunda (Senegal) - I am Fatou 2. Colibria (Bolivia) - The Buttefly 3. Cedella Marley Booker and Taj Mahal ( Jamaica) - Three Little Birds 4. Trevor Adamson (Australia) - Waltzing Matilda 5. Tera Doyle (Canada) - Home by Barna 6. Buckwheat Zydeco (USA) - Mardi Gras Mambo 7. Glykeria... Read review

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Advantages: Interesting, eclectic list of guests and collaborators
Disadvantages: A few so-so tracks

..., to say nothing of Jools’ exhilarating runs up and down the keyboard. And as for the last few seconds – does anyone else get the impression that he’s vying with the drummer for the last word? Sam Brown’s ‘Valentine Moon’ is tasteful, more subdued, and – oh, just lovely. Written by the lady herself, it’s a waltz-tempo love song that sounds like it might have come out of a 30s or 40s dance band repertoire. Only three listens and the chorus has lodged itself firmly in my brain already. A few tracks don’t do much for me. Joe Strummer’s ‘Return Of The Old Blues Cowboy’, Mica Paris & David Gilmour’s ‘I Put A Spell On You’ and Taj Mahal’s ‘Outskirts Of Town’ head the list. Joe’s contribution is mercifully quite short, less than... Read review

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