Blues legend Taj Mahal can lay credit to putting Ben Harper on the road to success.
In an interview with Noise11.com, Taj Mahal said he was a good friend of Harper’s grandparents. They used to own a club and often visit Taj Mahal. Taj says he first met Harper when Ben was about 14 and he gave him his first paid gig.
Ben appeared on the last Taj Mahal album ‘Maestro’ in 2008. The album featured lots of special guests including Angelique Kidjo, Ziggy Markey and Jack Johnson. Taj said he chose ever guest for the record himself.
The album also featured the song ‘Never Let Me Go’. Taj wrote the song with his daughter Deva and Los Lobos were the backing band.
As well as Bluesfest, Taj Mahal will perform:
March 23, Sydney, Enmore Theatre
March 24, Melbourne, Hamer Hall
March 25, Adelaide, The Gov
March 26, Brisbane, The Tivoli
March 28 Cairns, Tanks