Pan-genre musicologist Taj Mahal discusses the significance of fully committing to your craft…
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EMBRACE THE JOY OF PERFORMANCE
I appreciate that people acknowledge my work, but the true excitement lies in the act of playing. Sixty or seventy years ago, I lacked the skills to express the music I envisioned in my head. Now, not only can I play it, but I can also record it. I never realized how many musicians can conceive music they struggle to manifest in the real world.
EXPLORE A WIDE RANGE OF MUSIC
Culturally, my childhood felt like being immersed in a vast ocean of music. My parents introduced me to everything from classical and be-bop to jump blues, spirituals, and opera. Growing up in New England, music surrounded me. For most, music was a limited experience, something that came from a radio. But I was swimming in it!
RESPECT YOUR ROOTS
The blues is intrinsically linked to all significant music styles—gospel, jazz, and more. I began to listen to these older musical styles and questioned why they weren't being carried on. I quickly realized it’s because of the music industry… some people are excluded from staying relevant. Thus, I was performing music that many were unaware of. Older musicians always urged me to learn as much as possible.
For me, understanding the origins of this music is crucial. Record labels have both represented and misrepresented this art. Music is always evolving… it transforms continuously. You can appreciate new sounds without disregarding the past.
LOOK BEYOND THE HIT SONGS
For around a decade, I tried everything to make progress. Anything. Frustration led me to refine my approach. Ultimately, my focus was on the music and what it signifies to me. I want to enjoy time with like-minded individuals, and that is a valuable experience. Many people are conditioned to hear hit after hit, but they are not truly engaging with music—they're just consuming popular tracks.
MUSIC AS A FORM OF COMMUNICATION
I adhere to the African principle that music is about connection. We’re engaging with each other when we create music. Families come together to play. It’s not one person's voice, but a collective conversation. It’s about balance—it's not only me; you’re also contributing something in return.
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THE STAGE IS A HOLY SPACE
The audience has a duty. They shouldn’t come expecting the same tunes repeatedly; they should encourage your growth. Seek out those who support your evolution. The reality is, so many are competing for chart positions, and one must earn their audience. For me, the stage is a sacred place—I don’t want just anyone to step onto it.
It either functions, or it doesn’t. There’s no mystical element to it. The music I share is the music I genuinely want to create. Deep down, you know what you want to hear… the rest is about execution.
EVERY CREATIVE Discipline IS INTERCONNECTED
When African slaves were brought to America, their cultural heritage was largely erased; they were stripped clean. My interest in collaborating with West African musicians stems from a desire to reconnect and complete the continuum. I draw on everything I’ve learned from American music to discover something that remains unbroken. You’re making connections.
I consider myself a result of these connections. I view all music in the Western hemisphere as related. I may not speak Portuguese, but I can appreciate fado music. We exist to support our neighbors. Various music styles—samba, bossa nova, cumbia, salsa—are all intertwined. They influence one another. I identify as a globalist, shaped by the diaspora.
NOT EVERYTHING THAT SPARKLES IS GOLD
Not all money is worth pursuing. Everyone wants to advance, but many compromise their principles in severe ways to attain fame. I spent ten years establishing a career in the music industry, and after my first break, I realized I had to slow down if I ever wanted to witness the joy in my grandchildren's eyes. It took time for me to understand that if it isn’t about the music, I don’t want to participate.
COMMIT YOURSELF TO YOUR CRAFT
Eliminate distractions from your life. I am wholly dedicated to music. I constantly listen to it, and it energizes me too. I know drummers in their nineties still performing, saxophonists as well. Just look at Willie Nelson! We’re only here for a limited time… this is what life is. If you’re fortunate enough to recognize that your ancestors intended for you to be a musician, then you continue this journey until it’s time to move on.
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Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ are set to release their new album ‘Room On The Porch’ with Concord Records on May 23rd.
Interview by: Robin Murray
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Pan-genre musicologist Taj Mahal discusses the significance of completely dedicating oneself to their art... --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjTEkhXgu_4 --- EMBRACE THE JOY IN