Taj Mahal takes the listener to famed Tulsa studio
The age requirement for this week’s Ear Bliss is artists 80 years of age and over and we’ve got a couple of good ones. What can be said about the legendary Taj Mahal that hasn’t been said before? Born Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr. in Harlem in 1942 and raised in Springfield, MA, Taj Mahal has been making records with a focus on the various offshoots of American roots music and more since his self-titled debut in 1968. His latest effort takes the listener to Tulsa and the famed studio of the late Leon Russell and his Shelter
Records label. Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa is a rousing affair that captures Mahal is his element. Label the Memphis-based gospel singer Elizabeth King somewhat of a late bloomer as a recording artist. Having just hit the 80-year mark, the queen of sacred soul King has just released her third album in the last five years with the recording Soul Provider. Put simply, it is a powerhouse of a record and it also receives the Ear Bliss look-see this week.
We also provide another Ear Bliss festival alert and this one for our own homegrown Rhythm & Roots
Festival held annually on Labor Day Weekend in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The festival recently just announced its initial lineup and it is quite impressive. Sadly, just a few days after the announcement festival co-founder and figurehead Chuck Wentworth passed away. Wentworth had few rivals in these parts when it came to how influential he was on the music scene. From his many years hosting the Monday night folk show at WRIU-FM to his integral role with the Cajun & Bluegrass Festival and its predecessor, Rhythm & Roots, to the many various dance and music events his Lagniappe Productions spearheaded, he was both a true tastemaker and visionary and will be sorely missed. His spirit will no doubt loom large over this year’s Rhythm & Roots event. Let’s get to it.
Taj Mahal Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa
Lightning Rod Records
The music of the late Leon Russell was one of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s finest exports. It was where grew up, where he would return to live and build a recording studio, and where he’d base his Shelter Records operations. He was a personal friend of Taj Mahal, not to mention a huge influence on Mahal’s music. On the new Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa, Mahal pays homage to Leon Russell who was both a huge influence and personal friend, while giving the listener an album that is pure Mahal. The “Church” referred to in the album’s title is The Church in Tulsa, Russell’s former studio and office for his Shelter Records label.
Purchased by Russell in 1972, he would convert it into a recording studio and office for his label. Artists ranging from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton, and fellow Tulsa homeboy JJ Cale to Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, and Stevie Wonder all laid down tracks in the room. You can now add Taj Mahal to the list. Featuring “The Taj Mahal Sextet” which includes his longtime accompanist’s bassist Bill Rich, drummer Kester Smith, and guitarist/