Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues Band - Sacred Island

After decades as a bluesman, Taj Mahal has earned his place in the pantheon of American music. But this takes him to a slightly different place: Hawaii, where he made his home for a number of years. He's always had a relaxed approach to music, and the Islands must have been a perfect fit for him. But Mahal has also had a long interest in the music of the Caribbean, so it's interesting to hear him adapt Toots's ska classic, "Monkey Man," to his style, on the tropically flavored "Coconut Man." Whatever he tackles, however, the blues is at the basis of everything he does; it's part of his soul now. But there are, as he shows, as many ways to approach the blues as there are bluesmen. His experience and innovation have made Mahal one of the great second (or possibly third) generation blues figures. It's nice to know he hasn't stopped pushing the envelope. --Chris Nickson Amazon.com

The Calypsonians

The first track on this CD - The Calypsonians - introduced me to Taj Mahal and I had to find it. For those of you who have seen the movie "Six Days Seven Nights" it is the song being played (by Taj Mahal) on the island their first night.

The CD varies primarily between songs with an "island" feel to more bluesy tunes. The first 3 songs have an "island" feel, the next two moving into more of a blues tone, back to the islands, and back to the blues. The only track I'm ambivalent about is the last track, Kanikapila, which is more ska than anything else.

In searching for "The Calypsonians" I listened to alot of clips of different Taj Mahal CDs and was very pleased with the variety on this CD. Very cool, laid back music to enjoy! November 23, 2007

Good mix of the blues and hawaiian sounds

Taj's island outing is an interesting and relaxing experiment. I've had this cd for awhile and it has turned into an old standby of sorts. One of those cds that never completely blows me away but never dissapoints. It works well on a nice spring day. If you like that island vibe then check out Sacred Island.

I'd even recommend this to Buffet Parrot heads who want a change of pace. March 11, 2006

Taj in Charleston

Nice to see Taj Mahal in "The Zone". Caught up to him Charleston, SC recently and he did a cut from this album. While the show was great, we could stand to see some NEW stuff from a blues legend. Go Taj! February 9, 2005

Nice laidback feel

This is an album to listen to when you're just chillin on the couch on a Sunday afternoon - definitely laidback. Taj Mahal combines his blues with a Hawaiian feel. Most of the time it's pretty successful.

The first track is very Tom Waitsish and is among the best on the album. The title track, an instrumental, is as laidback and lazy as it gets. It almost sounds like a lost Billy Vaughan classic. "No Na Mamo" is an interesting song sung in Hawaiian, and it contrasts sharply with the following tune "Mailbox Blues" which is definitely the bluesiest song on the album. The album closes with another instrumental "Kanikapila" which is more upbeat than the title track and is complete with Taj Mahal's yelps and laughs.

Overall, it's a pretty good album that needs to be played while daydreaming about the islands. February 1, 2004

More great sounds from an accomplished artist

It's not every day you get to experience a new sound from an old friend. Sacred Island by Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues Band is the kind of CD that you want to play again and again. It's catchy rhythyms fused by Tajs love of Hawaiian Music blended together for upbeat arrangements.
Outstanding cuts include "Cocunut Man", "Sacred Island" and the traditional blues offering "Mailbox Blues". Not a bad song in the bunch and the only reason I gave it 4 stars was that it didn't have more tracks. An excellent effort from a master of blues. Stretch out in your favorite lounge chair, grab a cool one and let your mind drift away with Taj Mahal at the wheel June 11, 2002

More reviews at Amazon.com ...