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| Taj Mahal headlines World Blues Tour Folk/blues legend Taj Mahal has never been shy about embracing global influences over his 50-plus years as a musician — anything from Mississippi Delta blues, traditional Hawaiian sounds and reggae to African rhythms, gospel, zydeco and jazz. Critics have hailed Mahal for his iconic role in revitalizing and preserving traditional acoustic blues music as well as his experimental fusions that present the blues as part of a wider musical context. On Tuesday at Binghamton University's Anderson center, Majal will headline the World Blues Tour, which aims to show the global influence of American blues music from three very different points of view and international points of origin. Joining the Harlem-born musician will be South African guitarist/vocalist Vusi Mahlasela as well as up-and-coming soul/R&B band Fredericks Brown, which hails from New Zealand and includes Mahal's daughter Deva Mahal. "I am really excited about the World Blues Tour, " Mahal said in a press release. "It is not every day that three artists from different worlds, but who speak a common language, come together for a tour. This used to happen a lot in the '60s and '70s but not as much today. It should be real fun and you can bet filled with many surprises." Mahal is the thread that binds the tour together. He first met Mahlasela at a benefit concert for Nelson Mandela's 46664, an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. Mahlasela has been dubbed "The Voice of South Africa" because his music was an inspiration to many in the anti-apartheid movement. His lyrical themes often include meditations on the struggle for freedom as well as the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with enemies. Mahlasela's latest album, "Say Africa, " was produced by Mahal, and the two icons continue to explore the intersection of African and American musical forms. Fredericks Brown — the musical collaboration of vocalist Deva Mahal and keyboardist Steph Brown — hails from New Zealand. After initially meeting on the festival circuit in their home country, where both were key players in their respective cities, each moved independently to Brooklyn in 2007 and met up again to form Fredericks Brown. Their music fuses the cultural heritage of both musicians — Deva Mahal's soul and blues roots and Brown's organic Pacific sound. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Jazz News :: home page |