Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band - Time

Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band — Time

Lost Bill Withers song leads album steeped in blues, soul, reggae, New Orleans grooves and Latin rhythms

Grammy winner Taj Mahal Returns with Time, resurrecting a lost Bill Withers song for Mahal's 60th Album. The 84-year-old blues legend announces a May 1, 2026 release via Thirty Tigers, centered around the title track — a previously unreleased Bill Withers composition discovered in 2010 and recorded with the blessing of Withers' estate.

The song takes a consoling long view, promising that "time will see you through." Withers retired from recording rather than letting corporate pressure change his music.

"You had people who were not musicians standing up telling someone who was obviously successful that he must change for the industry," Mahal said. "He needs to add women to the background. He needs synthesizers, horns, to step up the pace. And he needs to sing like what they're doing over there. How do they get all these other guys to just roll over and do that?"

The rest of the 10-track album blends blues, soul, reggae, New Orleans grooves and Latin rhythms with The Phantom Blues Band, his ensemble of 30 years featuring Johnny Lee Schell, Tony Braunagel, Larry Fulcher, Jon Cleary and a dynamic horn section. Ziggy Marley guests on "Talkin' Blues," continuing a collaboration begun in 2008.

After winning both a lifetime achievement and competitive Grammy in 2025, and a star-studded San Francisco tribute in February 2026, Mahal affirms his commitment to music after 76 years of performing.

Side A

1. Life of Love

2. Wild About My Lovin'

3. Crazy About A Jukebox

4. Time

5. You Put The Whammy On Me

Side B

1. Talkin' Blues

2. Sweet Lorene

3. Ask Me About Nothing (But the Blues)

4. It's Your Voodoo Working

5. Rowdy Blues

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