Taj Mahal - Giant Step/De Ole Folks at Home

One of the more woefully underappreciated blues artists of the last three decades, Taj Mahal has consistently made great records that combine his extensive knowledge of roots music with a refreshingly non-elitist sensibility. Giant Step/De Ole Folks At Home from 1969 was Taj's commercial high point, and it's easy to understand why. The first half of the album (originally released as a two-record set) features Taj and band blending rock, pop and blues on songs like "Take a Giant Step," "Give Your Woman What She Wants" and "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl." The second half is more laid-back and down-home, with Taj essaying solo renditions of "Fishing Blues," "Stagger Lee" and "Light Rain Blues" on banjo, harmonica and acoustic guitar. The most effortlessly enjoyable record of an effortlessly enjoyable career. --Dan Epstein Amazon.com essential recording

Taj Mahal - The Man!

I'm a product of the 60's. My 4 older sisters helped mold my taste in music. One of them owned this Taj Mahal LP when it came out in 1969. Prior to this recording, she had an earlier one with "Corina" on it that would get stuck in my brain for days.

Giant Step is a must have CD! It's got great songs (Take a giant step, Farther on down the road, Annie's Lover, Stagger Lee, and Fishin' Blues), terrific banjo playing, and Taj' warm soulful persona comes through in his voice. He has made some great recordings over the years but this one is my all time favorite. You will love it and your children will love it. The music doesn't feel dated at all. March 8, 2008

An American Classic...just wonderful!

Giant Step by Taj Mahal is an American Classic plain and simple. It is a wonderful cross section of delta blues sung as only Taj Mahal can. The folksy blues rhythyms in this CD take you to different place. Originally released on vinyl in 1969 this album has lost none of its charm.

The album opens with Ain't Gwine Whistle Dixie Anymore and just builds on that wonderful tune. My favorites are the gospel rich You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond, the countryish Six Days On The Road, the classic folk tune Candy Man, and finally the catchy child like Fishin Blues. Not a bad song in this collection.

Taj Mahal should be honored at the Kennedy Center. He is an American original. A wonderful, naturally gifted singer, and performer.

Finally, for a real treat catch Taj Mahal as Ike in the 1972 film classic Sounder. Buy this CD, you will not be disappointed.
June 13, 2006

Sitting on the porch with Taj

This is Taj Mahal at his best -- laid back, having fun, playing a combination of blues standards and his own stuff. A classic and a standout by an artist who has consistently made great music for decades. August 2, 2004

A Great American Album

Taj at his best with a GREAT band , but -Jesse Ed Davis III- ,-alone-, is reason enough to need this cd. His perfect string bending solos and fills are backed up by his own keyboard work,(Taj himself makes -no- apparent instrumental contribution on tracks such as the classic re-working of 'Six Days On The Road'), the liner notes' calligraphy is by his hand, and the production bears a strong JEDIII sound, although uncredited . He manages to use modern effects,(for the time,such as guitar through a Leslie speaker), and still sound down-home all the while, and played impossibly difficult riffs with such grace,relaxation, and musicality that he could easily be taken for granted. Davis is a great forgotten American treasure,(perhaps best known for the fills and solos on Jackson Brown's 'Doctor My Eyes', {but even -that- was thirty years+ ago}, he was favorite of Eric Clapton and George Harrison). April 26, 2003

A Unique Experience

If you've never heard him before, it's hard to describe Taj's music. He's usually labelled as a blues man - but his music is a mixture of all kinds of folk traditions - including american, african, and caribbean. I've seen him live several times - he's intelligent, articulate, warm, and has a great sense of humor. He plays a wide range of instruments - most often guitar or banjo. There is something truly special about him. His songs are usually playful and infectious - you just can't help tappin' your toes and humming along. He's recorded a number of great albums, but Giant Step has always been my favorite. The CD includes both albums in the original vinyl release, Giant Step and De Ole Folks At Home. On Giant Step, Taj is backed by a small group of electric blues musicians (featuring Jesse Ed Davis on lead guitar). On the more down-home De Ole Folks At Home, he plays solo, accompanying himself on guitar, banjo, and harmonica. My favorite song is "Take a Giant Step" - it's a tender look at rediscovering love. There's something about this song that captures Taj's essence - it's simple and direct and honest. Taj is a unique soul - his music always makes me feel good. February 17, 2002

More reviews at Amazon.com ...