University of Virginia Library

Musical Charisma

By JIMMY FAMA

Taj Mahal played two hours of his unique style of country
blues to the pleasure of most of the people who filled the
balcony, bleachers and floor in Memorial Gym Friday night.

Coming on promptly at 8:00, Mahal went through a
sluggish first set for a little over an hour before taking a 20
minute break. For the most part the audience was
unresponsive and restless, with many people milling about,
buying cokes, and jockeying for position on the floor.

Mahal picked up momentum and got the crowd on its feet
at the outset of his second set with three of his more well
known songs–"Chicago Blues," Fishin' Blues," and "Ain't
Nobody's Business But My Own." Trading his guitar for a
banjo a few songs later, Mahal cajoled the audience to sing
along and "dosie-doee" to a pickin' and grinnin' number
called "Hold the Wood Pile Down."

The major drawback to the concert was the fact that it was
held in Memorial Gym. The gym was certainly a better (cozier)
locale for this kind of small-scale concert than University Hall,
but the poor acoustics and the discomfort of sitting on the
floor did not facilitate an especially pleasant atmosphere.

Although he accompanied himself on acoustic guitar for
the most part, Mahal showed his musical versatility by using a
banjo, piano, and harmonica as well. He also proved to be
vocally versatile when he sang "I Ain't Whistlin' Dixie" with
no accompaniment at all.

In light of the fact that Taj Mahal did not have a back-up
band it is amazing that he generated so much excitement and
enthusiasm from the crowd. Few performers possess such
musical charisma.