Search - Etta Baker, Taj Mahal :: Etta Baker With Taj Mahal

Indispensable slice of Americana

Craig Fisher | USA | 11/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Etta Baker died this past September 2006, leaving behind an underappreciated legacy of wonderful Piedmont style finger-picking guitar. I was totally blown away after hearing this album at a friend's place, only to find out that it was Etta Baker, and then to find out she had passed away just 2 months ago. The first dozen tracks on this all-instrumental CD were cut relatively recently; six with accompaniment by Taj Mahal and six solo tracks. They all have that intimate front porch or living room recording session feel, and if you listen closely you can hear the joyful sounds of feet tapping and arms rhythmically banging against guitars. Ms. Baker and Taj Mahal sound like they've been playing together for decades, breathing mellower, more mature life into traditional classics such as "Railroad Bill" (her best known song), "Going Down the Road Feeling Bad", and "John Henry". She also shines when left to her own devices; check out "Cripple Creek" on which she jams on banjo of all things! If these cuts were not enough to leave you smiling, the final seven tracks include the original 1956 field recordings of Ms. Baker! Several songs are repeats, yet provide an interesting contrast with the more chill, current takes as the originals are significantly more upbeat in tempo. Overall, this is fantastic, timeless music, played with an obvious love for the material and the craft. After listening to Ms. Baker, the feeling is very mutual."