Taj Mahal Savoy Stony Plain Records

As unique and eclectic as Taj Mahal’s recording catalog is, it’s safe to say that there’s nothing else in it that comes close to Savoy (Stony Plain Records). The 80-year-old roots music legend has explored the blues, jazz, and world music extensively over his long and captivating career, but this sterling set covers the genre that he was probably exposed to at the beginning, the swinging blues and R&B that was so popular from the early ’30s until the late ’50s.

Produced by John Simon (who also plays piano) and featuring an immensely talented ensemble which includes guitarist Danny Caron, bassist Ruth Davies, drummer Leon Joyce Jr., a formidable horn section, and guests Maria Muldaur (vocals) and Evan Price (violin), Savoy collects 14 standards from the pens of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, George Gershwin, Louis Jordan, and Louis Armstrong. This project was obviously a labor of love for Taj Mahal, who turns in a superb vocal performance that breathes new life into these tracks.

He introduces the album reminiscing about his parents frequenting the famous ball room and discussing what the music means to him before launching into an easy-going version of “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” with sweet female vocals and his own scat vocals at the end. “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” has a playful swagger to it, along with a flute solo from Kristen Strom, and the low-key “Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You” has a smooth, mellow feel that fits Caron’s bluesy fretwork to a tee. Taj successfully transforms Gershwin’s “Summertime” into a swinger, and on the Duke’s wistful “Mood Indigo,” he hews fairly closely to the original, definitely not a bad thing.

Taj’s version of Jordan’s “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby” doesn’t jump as lively as the original, adopting a more funky rhythm that’s just as fun. Another Ellington song, “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” takes its sweet time and offers another superb guitar solo from Caron. Next is a wonderful take on “Sweet Georgia Brown” that features swinging violin from Price and a good-natured vocal from Taj.

Maria Muldaur joins Taj on vocals for “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” and their voices work really well together along with solos from Price (electric violin) and Mike Rinta (trombone). The entertaining “Lady Be Good” is highlighted by a tenor saxophone “duel” from Lincoln Adler and Charles McNeal.

The gently swinging ballad “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home” features more electric violin from Price and a trumpet solo from Erik Jekabson. The second Jordan song is “Caldonia,” with Taj playing harmonica and supplying raucous vocals backed by an equally raucous band. That’s about the only way you can actually play it.

The backing vocalists provide background support for the instrumental “Killer Joe,” and Taj also plays harmonica. The album closes with an appropriate choice, “One More For My Baby (And One More For The Road).” This one has been covered by too many people to count, but Taj’s version really stands out.

Savoy is an album unlike any you’ve ever heard from Taj Mahal, and it’s clear that these songs mean a lot to him based on the heartfelt performances that he delivers. His vocals throughout are just wonderful, especially his scat singing, and his musical support is marvelous. Hopefully, they will revisit this concept again in the near future.

--- Graham Clarke