While best known as a keeper of the blues flame, Taj Mahal enters the music of The Swing Era with his gravely voice teaming with jumping blues and swing on this latest release. Mahal sings, jives and plays harmonica backed by Danny Caron/g, Ruth Davies/b, John Simon/b, Leon Joy ce Jr/dr as well as backing vocals and a hip horn section.Mahal sounds like the second coming of Louis Jordan as he takes on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with fellow Betty Booper Maria Muldaur, giving perfect balance and twinkle in the eye fun. There are also jumping blues like “Caldonia” and “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” while Ellington and Basie are remembered in “Mood Indigo” and “Lady Be Good” respectively. The team is relaxed on a moody “Summertime” with Mahal sounding very Tom Waitsish on “I’m Just A Lucky So and So”. A nice celebration of an era missed in various levels.