TAJ MAHAL AND THE HULA BLUES
Hanapepe Dream (Tone Cool/KANDU)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Taj Mahal is a man of the world, musically. He's blended sounds of the Pacific, Africa, the Caribbean, traditional American blues, and Hawaiian slack key guitar in a career built on world music. His Tone-Cool debut, Hanapepe Dreams, co-released by his own Kan-du imprint, will hit the stores this month. Hanapepe Dreams features the Hula Blues Band, playing an all acoustic set that brings the flavor of the islands home. Taj called Hawaii home from 1981 to 1996, and this disc updates "Blackjack Davey," which appeared on his 1974 Mo Roots release, the American classic "Stagger Lee," and Mississippi John Hurt's "My Creole Belle" interpreted on ukulele. The American release of Hanapepe Dream will include bonus video footage including live performances of "The Calypsonians" and "The New Hula Blues." This summer, Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues Band will launch its first national tour that kicks off June 20th at the House of Blues in Chicago, and no matter where the tour lands, it will be a magical celebration of Hawaiian music.

Track List:

Great Big Boat * Black Jack Davey * Moonlight Lady * King Edward's Throne * African Herbsman * Baby, You're My Destiny * Stagger Lee * Livin' On Easy * My Creole Belle * All Along the Watchtower * Hanapepe Dream

© 2003 - Eric Steiner