Nach'l Blues - Taj Mahal (1968)

Ideated from: a Black History Month reminder that black artists largely built the modern world of music

For as influential as the blues was in American music, it had always been its own sort of side alley. Even big stars like Muddy Waters and BB King didn’t seem to cross over much into the bigger conversation. The musical explosion of the late 60s saw some newer artists like Taj Mahal who were well versed in the blues but also had a keen ear for a good single.

I’m sure this wasn’t the first time a blues artist made a convincing collection of blues that could also stand up on the pop and soul charts, but it’s a good example of one.

Tracks I Liked

Going Up To The Country, Paint my Mailbox Blue - great solo, and the title is a joy to type

She Caught The Katie - as heard in the Blues Brothers. For those curious from hearing about “the Katie” in this and other songs, it’s what people called the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad

The Cuckoo - as close as blues artists not named Buddy Guy got to psychadelia.