Maestro

Released in 2008 to commemorate Taj Mahal's 40th anniversary as a recording artist, Maestro serves as a definitive synthesis of his 'Hula Blues' and 'World Music' explorations. Unlike his sparser early work, this album is a collaborative powerhouse, featuring a diverse roster including Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley, Angélique Kidjo, and Jack Johnson. The record was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album, reflecting its high production values and critical standing. Sonically, it bridges the gap between traditional Delta blues and the Malian sounds he explored on Kulanjan, particularly on the track 'Zanzibar' with Toumani Diabaté. The album is notable for its inclusion of family, featuring his daughter Deva Mahal, and for revisiting his own catalog with a matured, relaxed perspective. It stands as a late-career highlight that successfully avoids the pitfalls of 'tribute' albums by maintaining Taj's singular, rhythmic vision throughout.