Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo – Rose Music Center – 9/10/25
The Rose Music Center was transformed into a front porch on the bayou as two legendary performers, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo, joining forces as “TajMo,” brought their unique blend of laid back, soul-infused blues on a perfect, June evening in Ohio. The duo, backed by an eight-piece band, served up a tasty, 90-minute set, heavy on the duo’s two albums, 2017’s TajMo, and the brand-new effort, Room on the Porch.
Mahal, 83, clad in a colorful jacket and white hat, sang and played National guitar from seated position, flanked by Mo, 73, who stood, wearing a bright red jacket, and pulled out a variety of guitars, depending on the song. This really was a true collaboration, with both men trading off vocals the entire evening.
Both artists have long been championed as protectors of the blues. Yet, it’s their innate ability to transcend the rigid confines of the genre, adding elements of soul, funk, and World music, into a fragrant gumbo that makes things more inviting.
The show opened with “She Keeps Me Moving,” from their new album, powered by a gentle groove, while “Better Than Ever” had an island feel. The funky “Don’t Leave Me Here” featured Mahal on harmonica and growling vocals, while the century-old standard, “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” had a surprisingly delicate swing to it. I’ve heard this song a hundred times, but this arrangement felt totally new.
“Ain’t Nobody Talking” featured some searing guitar work, while “My Darling, My Dear” had Keb’ on banjo. “Junkyard Dog,” a fine song from Maia Sharp (a frequent guest on our Icon Fetch podcast), was given a gritty treatment, while “Shake Me in Your Arms Tonight” was a booty shaker.
Then, the backup band took a break, leaving just the duo for a pair of Delta-infused numbers – “Rough Time Blues,” which closes out their new record, and the Sleepy John Estes’ classic, “Diving Duck Blues.” The band returned for a pair of new songs, “Room on the Porch,” and “Thicker Than Mud.”
Near the end of the show, they ran through a pair of Taj classics – “Going Up to the Country, Gonna Paint My Mailbox Blue,” and “Queen Bee,” which got the crowd going. Even at 83, Mahal still has that signature growl. The set closed with “That’s Who I Am,” which morphed into “Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin,” a tribute to the recently departed Sly Stone.
They encored with Keb’s killer “She Just Wants to Dance,” before ending with the positivity of “All Around the World.”
Opening the show was Abraham Alexander on solo vocals and electric guitar. I enjoyed his soulful singing and melodic soloing, but felt he did too much talking between songs – he only played four in 30 minutes!
An easy-going evening of uplifting blues that would’ve worked better in a more intimate, club setting. Still, it was great to see Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo, two legendary performers, having such a good time. —Tony Peters