The Natch’l Blues by Taj Mahal (Vinyl record album review)

Record basics

Album name: The Natch’l Blues

Artist name: Taj Mahal

Year: 1968

Number of discs: one

Label: Columbia Records

Collection: Brenner / Gessner

Distinguishing characteristics: “G” written on top left of album, indicating that my father owned it

Buy it on Amazon: $64.99

My review

Level of familiarity before listening

I have no familiarity at all this this record.

What I expected

“Blues” is in the title, so I’ll guess the blues.

What it was actually like

This was a fantastic blues record with great guitar, harmonica, vocals, drums – every part of it was wonderful, and consistently made me feel like I was in a barbecue restaurant. I wish it had lasted for another hour or two.

The only song I recognized was the cover You Don’t Miss Your Water (‘Til Your Well Runs Dry), from another cover, on Sweetheart of the Rodeo by the Byrds (1968). It was slower than the rest, and my least favorite song on the record, but wasn’t bad.

I couldn’t pick a favorite because all the rest of the songs were outstanding.

Grade

5/5: love it