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If any other artist were to dub his new album Maestro, critics would certainly find cause to condemn it for sheer cockiness.  But Taj Mahal has earned the right to some self-aggrandizing; in a 40-year career, he's won widespread acclaim for his expansive embrace of blues, roots, reggae, Caribbean, Hawaiian, R&B, Zydeco and world music of all shades and varieties.   

Appropriately then, Taj's first album in five years encapsulates his far-flung ambitions with a set of songs that amble effortlessly from the soulful strut of "Scratch My Back" and "Hello Josephine" to the grit and growl of "Dust Me Down" and "I Can Make You Happy."  There are also interesting diversions along the way -- a reggae duet with Ziggy Marley on "Black Man, Brown Man" (coincidentally his third collaboration with a Marley, following previous pairings with Bob and his mother Cedella), the weary, banjo-plucking saunter of the appropriately titled "Slow Drag" and the spunk and funk that infuses the brassy "Diddy Wah Diddy." 

Despite the diversity, Maestro provides a wonderful meld of style and execution, with Taj's sandpapery vocals deftly navigating between the different genres. Various guest stars contribute their talents - Los Lobos, Ben Harper and Jack Johnson, the latter two being disciples of sorts - but Taj takes charge. "I can make you happy," he growls through the turbulent blues of the same name.  Maestro proves his point.

Standout Tracks: "Further On Down the Road" "Black Man, Brown Man" "Never Let You Go" LEE ZIMMERMAN