Giant Step

Giant Step

Editorial Reviews
<"b0000024o97580"> Amazon.com essential recording
One of the more woefully underappreciated blues artists of the last three decades, Taj Mahal has consistently made great records that combine his extensive knowledge of roots music with a refreshingly non-elitist sensibility. Giant Step/De Ole Folks At Home from 1969 was Taj's commercial high point, and it's easy to understand why. The first half of the album (originally released as a two-record set) features Taj and band blending rock, pop and blues on songs like "Take a Giant Step," "Give Your Woman What She Wants" and "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl." The second half is more laid-back and down-home, with Taj essaying solo renditions of "Fishing Blues," "Stagger Lee" and "Light Rain Blues" on banjo, harmonica and acoustic guitar. The most effortlessly enjoyable record of an effortlessly enjoyable career. --Dan Epstein --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

<"b0000024o95228"> From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD
Taj Mahal (Henry Sainte Claire Fredericks)-singer, multi- instrumentalist, and ethnomusicologist-has described blues as "a very sensual, down-into-the-body music." Now twenty- odd albums into his recording career, his most convincing argument for that definition was back in 1969 with the release of this set (originally a two-record package). Bridging the chasm between country blues and rock, Mahal and three friends created a worldly wise charm on the De Ole Folks half of the program. The other... read more --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.