Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Taj Mahal (left) and Keb’ Mo’ will release a duo album, TajMo, on Concord Records on May 5.
(Photo: Jay Blakesburg)Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ will join forces for an upcoming album on Concord Records, signaling a historic collaboration between two generations of blues icons. The duo will release TajMo, an album of original songs and covers, on May 5.
In addition to the two blues giants, TajMo will also feature cameos from Bonnie Raitt, Joe Walsh, Sheila E., Lizz Wright and more. The album’s first single, “Don’t Leave Me Here,” was written by Taj and Keb’ and is available for streaming here.
While the two guitarists have collaborated for decades—Taj played a key role in inking Keb’s first record deal—TajMo marks the pair’s first full studio collaboration. The album was self-produced by the duo and was recorded by Zach Allen, John Caldwell and Casey Wasner at Nashville’s Stu Stu Studio. The 11-song set includes covers of John Mayer and The Who, as well as 6 original songs.
TajMo represents a unique blending of two of the most distinctive voices in blues. In a press statement, Taj and Keb explained that their chemistry functioned on both a musical as well as personal level.
“He’s a stellar human being, just a brilliant man,” Keb’ said of Taj. “Making this record was a really big deal for me.”
“Keb’s really good at keeping the ball up in the air,” Taj noted. “He’s a hell of a guitar player, and I’m just amazed at some of the stuff that he put out there.”
Taj Mahal is a multiple Grammy winner who has performed and recorded with legends such as the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and many over the course of his long career. Keb’ Mo’, who has often cited Taj as an influence, is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with everyone from Raitt to Jackson Browne and Buddy Guy.
TajMo: The Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ Band will be touring extensively in support of the record, including stops at the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles (June 10); the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. (Aug. 9); The House of Blues in Houston (Sept. 23); and on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, which departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Oct. 21.
For more information, visit Concord’s website. DB
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
