Living Blues #245 September/October 2016

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Taj Mahal

The Griot of the Blues

By Wayne Goins

It has been 16 years since Taj Mahal was on the cover of LB and he hasn’t slowed down for one minute. A man of constant exploration, Taj’s musical scope is expansive and inclusive. At the height of his powers, this griot of the blues lives inside the tale, but thankfully, he is happy to share it with us all.

Willie Green

A Step Back in Time

By Maureen Jung

Florida bluesman Willie Green may not be a household name, but this 80-something year old is the real deal. Green has lived the blues and plays them with a conviction and sureness that only comes from years of experience.

The Brakeman and the Wolf

By Mark Hoffman

Howlin’ Wolf biographer Mark Hoffman follows the trail of new evidence about the connection between the Singing Brakeman Jimmie Rodgers and Howlin’ Wolf.

Slim Harpo

Blues King Bee of Baton Rouge

By Martin Hawkins

An excerpt from Louisiana writer Martin Hawkins’ new biography of Slim Harpo.

Record Reviews

• New Releases by: Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Michael Burks and JJ Thames

• Reissues by: Floyd Dixon, Frankie Lee Sims and Champion Jack Dupree

Editorial

Blues News

Breaking Out: Marcus Cartwright

Lost Blues Files: Shelton Dunaway

Living Blues Talks to Barrelhouse Chuck

Obituaries

Radio Charts

Cover photo by Jack Vartoogian

Taj Mahal performing at the Putumayo World Music 15th anniversary concert, Central Park SummerStage, New York, July 27, 2008.