The connection between the blues and African music is often commented on but rarely explored musically. Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate go a long way toward rectifying that when they team up on "Kulanjan," a stunning meld of American and African musical traditions.

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Since the mid-'60s, Taj Mahal has played a vital role in the preservation of traditional blues and African-American roots music. He is a singer, songwriter, composer and noted musicologist who through intensive research creates authentic, rootsy compositions that, while remaining true to tradition, are still relevant to modern audiences and always bear his own unique stamp. Although he frequently ventures into different genres, Mahal's heart and soul belongs to the old-time country blues.

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