Photo Credit: Phil Clarkin

On Saturday, Feb. 21, an elite batch of musicians assembled at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco to draw on the five-decade legacy and songs from blues great Taj Mahal. The one-night-only event was put on in part by the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. It featured a roster of luminaries, including Joan Baez, Van Morrison, Steven Van Zandt, Maria Muldaur, and a very special tribute to the late Bobby Weir. 

The concert, officially titled “A Night to Honor Taj Mahal,” was at capacity, with seats filled and spirits lifted in recognition of the guest of honor’s triumphant impact. Before the bill’s biggest names took the stage and delivered touching musical moments, a gradual run of acts assisted in opening the night, including country purveyor Will Hoge, blues-rooted Lady Bianca, and fellow genre great Otis Taylor, in addition to regional favorite Alvin Youngblood Hart. 

Ultimately, it was Morrison’s arrival that imbued a hefty rush of admiration. Joined by Mahal and backed by the night’s chosen musicians, the group cemented their musical kinship on a cover of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee’s “Can’t Help Myself.” It ensued with takes on Little Richard’s “Lucille,” and the classic, “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” 

Bay Area legend, Mauldur, took the stage next and made her presence known on Mahal’s own “Baby, You’re My Destiny.” The move effectively opened a section of Mahal originals, “Corrina” and “Give Your Woman What She Wants,” both of which were backed by Van Zandt. Other big moments came in the form of team-ups: Joan Baez and Hozier’s joint delivery of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and Mahal and Hozier’s duet of “Lovin’ in My Baby’s Eyes.” 

Before capping the night, all participants returned to the stage for a special homage to the late Bobby Weir, San Francisco luminary and the Dead’s beloved rhythm guitarist and keeper of their cosmic country antics. For the final song of the event, the ensemble dedicated “Ripple” to the late musician. 

The event arrived in recognition of Mahal’s extraordinary impact as one of the most influential figures in American blues music. With a prosperous career dating back to 1964, he made a global impression through his exploration of roots music, touching on African, Hawaiian, and Latin influences, before fusion became a recognized practice. 

As a recording artist, Mahal’s 1968 self-titled debut and his follow-up that year, The Natch’l Blues, established his legacy around a knack for innovation, a soulful voice, and a multi-instrumental skill set, one that was celebrated and honored during Saturday’s performance in San Francisco. 

To learn more about the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and donate, follow this link. 

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