Taj Mahal's Enduring Musical Journey: Resurrecting a Bill Withers Song for New Album 'Time'
At 84 years old, legendary musician Taj Mahal is set to release his latest album, "Time," on May 1st. This extensive body of work features a rediscovered composition by the revered Bill Withers, never before heard by the public. Mahal, whose career spans over seven decades and more than sixty albums, offers a profound reflection on his lifelong commitment to music, his distinctive artistic journey, and his philosophical approach to his craft, affirming his role as a perpetual giver of musical gifts to the world.
Taj Mahal's career is a testament to an enduring passion, which he likens to an "ongoing freight train." With a profound connection to music that he says dates back to the 10th century tradition of musical clans, he sees himself as someone born to fulfill a musical purpose. Having dedicated approximately 77 years to his art, Mahal underscores the longevity of his collaborations, notably with the Phantom Blues Band, who have been his musical companions for three decades and also contribute to his upcoming album. His discography, a vast collection exceeding 60 albums, showcases a rich tapestry of genres and influences, marking his indelible impact on the global music scene.
The album's title track, "Time," carries a poignant history. Discovered around 2010 during the initial stages of the album's production, the song was penned by the late Bill Withers but remained unrecorded by the soul legend. Record executive Steve Berkowitz, who had a close professional relationship with Withers, brought the unreleased piece to Mahal's attention. After Withers' passing in 2020, Mahal ensured he had the blessing of Withers' widow to proceed with recording and releasing the track, making it a powerful cornerstone of the new album. Mahal views the song as a timely and fantastic addition, embodying his belief in delivering music that resonates deeply with people.
Mahal fondly recalls his limited but impactful interactions with Withers, highlighting a mutual respect and connection that transcended their professional lives. He remembers Withers as a genuine individual, unpretentious and deeply admired for his distinctive sound and artistic integrity. While both artists shared a deep commitment to their music, their career paths diverged significantly. Withers famously retreated from the music industry in the mid-1980s, choosing a life away from the spotlight, a decision Mahal understands given the pressures and expectations placed upon artists in a hit-driven genre.
However, Mahal's own journey reflects a different philosophy. Recognizing early on that the industry would offer little support, he embraced his creative gifts as a personal directive to continuously produce and share his art. He describes himself as being "in his own lane," not defined by the music business but rather asserting that the music business revolves around his artistic endeavors. This self-reliant approach has allowed him to explore diverse musical territories, from soundtracks to children's music, accumulating a vast and varied catalog that he believes audiences will discover over time, much like art connoisseurs appreciating the depth of a painter's work.
The album "Time" is a vibrant fusion of styles, mirroring the eclectic nature of Mahal's live performances. While blues remains a foundational element, he articulates a broader musical philosophy: jazz nourishes the mind, reggae enlivens the body, but blues, above all, revitalizes the soul. This holistic perspective guides the album, aiming to touch the heart and soul while subtly incorporating jazz influences to engage the intellect. The album also features collaborations, including a reunion with Ziggy Marley on "Talkin' Blues," a testament to Mahal's deep connections to Caribbean influences through his family heritage.
Mahal views music through a wide lens, seeing the movement of Sub-Saharan people into the Western world as a transformative force that has reshaped global music. He doesn't perceive stark differences between genres but rather a continuous arc where all music emanates from a common source. His recent accolades, including a lifetime achievement Grammy and a competitive Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2025, underscore his ongoing relevance and creative vitality. These honors, shared with his daughters, symbolize the passing of a torch, allowing his family to experience the warmth of his artistic light. Mahal continues to tour, sharing his spirit and promoting a message of human connection and exaltation through music, encouraging audiences to embrace their innate gifts and find transportive power in sound.
