Kester Smith - Drums

Bill Rich - Bass

Taj Mahal summons more than just the blues. As one of the 20th century's most prominent and influential blues-roots performers, the 40-plus-year legend spans the globe. Tapping into African, Caribbean, Latin American, Caribbean and distinctly American sounds, the multi-instrumentalist, born Henry St. Claire Fredericks in 1942 Harlem, has practically created his own genre. He's released dozens of adventurous records, won two Grammy Awards and, most recently, joined an all-star lineup to celebrate the 100th birthday of Robert Johnson (along with The Roots, Keb' Mo', Sam Moore, Elvis Costello) at the Apollo Theater. His shows electrify and sear into memories. "Throughout the night," the Buffalo, NY, News said, "Mahal soloed on his own terms, with a flat-pick, stirring up a slew of notes in one flash, while at other spots simply strumming, all the while not a whiff of overplaying."