As the third set of the night got underway, Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal, two old friends who’d never before toured together, prowled the Greek Theatre stage, playfully sassing each other.
“Tramp!” the flame-haired Raitt purred, or maybe growled, at her partner on this summer outing they’ve named The BonTaj Roulet, a play on the old Louisiana French phrase for “Let the good times roll!”
“What you say?” Taj Mahal hollered back in pop-eyed mock indignation.
“Trr-ramp!”
“Listen here, little red mama! All the women up in here tonight know big daddy is a lover!”
And with that, Bonnie and Taj and their combined bands jumped into a feisty version of Slim Harpo’s “Baby, Scratch My Back.”
It was a typically smile-inducing moment in a night that provided many, as for 30 songs and nearly three hours Friday the pair offered up a wide-ranging night of the rootsy, blues-based songs both Raitt and Mahal long have championed.
Taj opened with a set of covers and originals that felt right at home with the New Orleans music-hall décor of the stage.
An R&B instrumental that gave each of the guys in his Phantom Blues Band a chance to shine segued into the slinky groove of “Diddy Wah Diddy” and the Fats Domino romp “Hey Josephine,” both which found Mahal in fine, gravelly voice.
Taj Mahal - Diddy Wah Diddy (BonTaj Roulet Greek Theatre LA 2009-09-11)
Bonnie Raitt - Your Good Thing (Is About to End) (BonTaj Roulet Greek Theatre LA 2009-09-11)
Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal - Done Changed My Way of Living (BonTaj Roulet Greek Theatre LA 2009-09-11)
Bonnie Raitt - Angel From Montgomery (BonTaj Roulet Greek Theatre LA 2009-09-11)
Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal - Coming Home / TV Mama (BonTaj Roulet Greek Theatre LA 2009-09-11)
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BonTaj Roulet Tour - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
Bonnie with Joe Sublett - BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
The Texacali Horns: Joe Sublett and Darrell Leonard - BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
Bonnie with Joe Sublett - BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
Bonnie with Joe Sublett - BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
Bonnie with Joe Sublett - BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
Johnny Lee Schell, Tony Braunagel and Taj Mahal - BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
BonTaj - Greek Theatre LA - Sept. 11, 2009
From there the set followed a similar pattern: a song of his own such as “Farther on Down the Road,” a soul-blues number into which he poured plenty of emotion, then a good-time blues classic such as “Annie Mae,” which gave him an opportunity to show off his fine chops on acoustic guitar.
“Oh, yeah, babies, grandpa can rock!” he hollered at the end of the instrumental “Seven Eleven,” and with “EZ Rider” he rocked it even more, the 67-year-old bluesman dance-stepping with plenty of energy as he and the band wrapped up their set.
As much as the crowd loved Taj, when Raitt arrived after a brief intermission it was clear that she had at least a slight edge in the amount of fans that filled most of the Greek.
by Harvey Wasserman Author, ‘SOLARTOPIA! Our Green-Powered Earth’
In a tough economy, with music lovers thinking twice before going to see their favorite acts, the 34-date BonTaj Roulet Tour by Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal is blazing new green ground in raising money for charities. So far it’s collected over $100,000 for environmental and other causes. It could add that much again before the final show on September 25 at Rancho Mirage, California.
The tour features a unique pairing that cuts across rock and blues barriers…and a whole lot more. With strong reviews and healthy ticket sales on an otherwise rough summer for the music business, the tour is also laying the groundwork for a new mix in the magic art of using commercial concerts to raise funds for green and other causes.
According to Kathy Kane, Bonnie Raitt’s manager, “the artists are giving, the concert goers are giving and the ticketing agencies are giving, along with some key venues and promoters.” Among the collaborators are Ticketmaster, Live Nation Ticketing, and Musictoday. “Not every venue and promoter is contributing,” says Kane, “but many are trying, and every venue and promoter has worked with us to make this happen.”
A 25-cent contribution added to the price of each ticket is matched with a 25-cent contribution from the artists. The funds are distributed to causes in proportion to votes tallied through the BonTaj Roulet tour website. Visitors to the website can choose between “safe & sustainable energy,” “environmental protection,” “social justice & human rights” and “blues/music education.” “The funds will be given to nonprofit organizations across the country,” says Kane. “If safe and sustainable energy received 23% of the votes then groups working on safe and sustainable energy will receive 23% of the funds being granted.”
The mix of contributions from promoters/venues and ticketing agencies with matching funds from artists and concertgoers, distributed by popular vote, is a new recipe for concert tour fundraising, says Kane. Many of the dates also feature VIP Charity Action Fund gatherings where donors get special seats and meet with the artists after the show. “Perhaps what makes this unique is the collaborative effort coming from different entities involved in putting on a concert. This way, everyone is contributing to raise funds out of their resources, not just the artist or the fans,”says Kane.
Of the 34 dates on the tour, 31 venues participated in the fundraising effort, she adds, with two choosing to support other causes of their own.
R&B grande dame Bonnie Raitt rolled into Salt Lake Tuesday night and hosted a rip-roarin’ blues revue that brought out the best of the Red Butte Garden Ampitheatre and felt like the biggest—and most awesome—backyard party of the summer.
The packed-to-the-gills garden venue was the perfect setting for a night of familiar tunes, and even the ever-present, wine-and-cheese set got loose enough to get up and shake it.
Raitt delivered a solid, at times even transcendental, set of hits and blues classics, keeping the 2,500-plus in attendance on their feet throughout the show.
Bonnie Raitt plays in concert Tuesday night at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Taj Mahal sings as the opening act for Bonnie Raitt’s concert Tuesday night at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Bonnie Raitt plays in concert Tuesday night at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal play in concert Tuesday night at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Bonnie Raitt plays in concert Tuesday night at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Bonnie Raitt plays in concert Tuesday night at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal play in concert at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre on Tuesday night, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal play in concert Tuesday night at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Taj Mahal and his Phantom Blues Band got things going before Bonnie Raitt took the stage at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, Salt Lake City, UT – Sept 1, 2009
Besides a voice that continues to deliver at every level, Raitt’s guitar prowess kept pace with her band of all-stars, and she ripped off a smokin’ and extended slide-heavy solo on the break of her take on “Your Good Thing (Is About To End).” Raitt offered thanks to ’60s Stax Records artist Mable Jones, who made the song penned by soulmasters Isaac Hayes and David Porter a hit.
Taj Mahal and his Phantom Blues Band got things going Tuesday night, and instead of just warming up the crowd, got the audience into a state of smolder before Raitt took the stage. Taj was back early in Raitt’s set and sat down to do a couple of blues numbers with her — trading guitar licks and a little lowdown vocal repartee. The two are in the midst of doing 30-plus concert dates together, and Raitt said while she and Taj are longtime friends, it was the first time they shared a tour bill.
Raitt came back with her band and banged out the John Prine tune “Angel From Montgomery,” recorded on her 1974 album, “Streetlights” and followed that with the hit “I Will Not Be Broken” from 2005’s “Souls Alike.”
Among the biggest crowd-pleasers was a fairly straight-up version of “Something To Talk About.” The smash from 1991 is possibly Raitt’s best known tune from the multi-platinum “Luck Of The Draw” album.
In a show of musical solidarity, and love of the blues, Raitt, her band, and Taj and his Phantoms, all took the stage together for a final blowout set of classics, including Taj’s “She Caught The Caty” that had the whole place smilin’ and dancin’ til the lights went out.
Bandana Blues is and will always be a labor of love. Please help Spinner deal with the costs of hosting & bandwidth. Visit www.bandanablues.com and hit the tipjar. Any amount is much appreciated, no matter how small. Thank you.
Bonnie has contributed a new recording of "Prison Bound Blues" written by Leroy Carr to a project called Better Than Jail, an extraordinary new album benefiting Free Hearts and Equal Justice USA. Better Than Jail is available everywhere today and features covers of iconic prison songs from Steve Earle, Taj Mahal,Margo Price, The War and Treaty and many more. The album seeks to raise awareness and support for the urgent need to reduce the harm of the criminal justice system. https://found.ee/BetterThanJail.
I'm so proud to have joined in with so many illustrious artists in creating this very special album in support of rural prison reform. Overlooked for far too long, this issue cuts across all cultural and political divides and deserves all our focused attention to finally bring about some swift and meaningful action. Better Than Jail is one of the most inspired and heartfelt albums I've been blessed to be a part of and I hope it sets a fire in hearts far and wide to join in our efforts." ~ Bonnie Raitt
Released on: 2024-10-04 Executive Producer: Brian Hunt Producer: Kenny Greenberg Producer: Wally Wilson Producer: Bonnie Raitt Recording Engineer: Jason Lehning at Sound Emporium Mastering Engineer: Alex McCollough at True East Mastering Production Assistant: Shannon Finnegan Mixer: Justin Niebank at Hounds Ear Music Publisher: Universal Music Corp. Composer, Lyricist: Leroy Carr ℗ Believe Entertainment Group and Wyatt Road Records
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The Fabulous Thunderbirds - Nothing in Rambling Ft. Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo' & Mick Fleetwood
In celebration of the band’s 50th Anniversary, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have just released Struck Down, their first studio album in eight years on Stony Plain Records. The ten-track album includes a wonderful cover of Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing in Rambling,” featuring longtime friends, T-Birds founding member Kim Wilson, along with Bonnie, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal and Mick Fleetwood. — BRHQ
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Little Feat - Long Distance Call
“I’ve always loved Little Feat and this new incarnation of the band is bringing some serious heat, cred and new blood to their enduring legacy. Every Feat fan loves us some Sam. I’m so glad he’s now gotten a chance to step out front and center and put his spin on these wonderful blues songs. I loved singing "Long Distance Call" with him, always one of my favorites, and Scott slayed on slide. Know you’ll enjoy hanging out with us at Sam’s Place!" -- Bonnie Raitt
“Long Distance Call” was written by blues legend, Muddy Waters. It has Sam Clayton and Bonnie Raitt on vocals, Scott Sharrard on Dobro, Fred Tackett on acoustic guitar, Tony Leone on drums, and Michael “The Bull” LoBue on harmonica. The album also features Bill Payne on piano and Kenny Gradney on bass.
Little Feat have composed an album that’s their love letter to the blues entitled, ‘Sam’s Place.’ “Long Distance Call” plus many other blues classics are on this album. You can stream and order ‘Sam’s Place’ here: https://orcd.co/samsplace
Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2, the anticipated new John Prine tribute record from Oh Boy Records, is out today. Stream/purchase HERE.
Created as a celebration of Prine’s life and career, the album features new renditions of some of Prine’s most beloved songs performed by Brandi Carlile (“I Remember Everything”), Tyler Childers (“Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You”), Iris DeMent (“One Red Rose”), Emmylou Harris (“Hello In There”), Jason Isbell (“Souvenirs”), Valerie June (“Summer’s End”), Margo Price (“Sweet Revenge”), Bonnie Raitt (“Angel From Montgomery”), Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (“Pretty Good”), Amanda Shires (“Saddle in the Rain”), Sturgill Simpson(“Paradise”) and John Paul White (“Sam Stone”). Proceeds from the album will benefit twelve different non-profit organizations, one selected by each of the featured artists.
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Bonnie Raitt - Write Me a Few of Your Lines/Kokomo Blues
60 years anniversary celebration of Arhoolie
December 10, 2020
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Arhoolie Foundation celebrates it's 60th anniversary (1960-2020) with an online broadcast.
Bonnie Raitt - Shadow of Doubt
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
October 3, 2020
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass celebrates it's 20th anniversary with an online broadcast titled “Let The Music Play On”.
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Bonnie Raitt & Boz Scaggs - You Don't Know Like I Know
Farm Aid 2020 On the Road
Sam & Dave classic written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
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Sheryl Crow & Bonnie Raitt - Everything Is Broken
[Eric Clapton’s Crossroads 2019]
Eric Clapton, one of the world’s pre-eminent blues/rock guitarists, once again summoned an all-star team of six-string heroes for his fifth Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2019. Held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the two-day concert event raised funds for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, the chemical dependency treatment and education facility that Clapton founded in 1998.
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'A Tribute To Mose Allison'
Celebrates The Music Of An Exciting Jazz Master
Raitt contributed to a new album, If You're Going To The City: A Tribute To Mose Allison, which celebrates the late singer and pianist, who famously blended the rough-edged blues of the Mississippi Delta with the 1950s jazz of New York City.
NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks to Bonnie Raitt about her friendship with the Mose Allison. They're also joined by Amy Allison — his daughter, who executive produced the album — about selecting an unexpected list of artists to contribute songs to the album.
Recorded on tour June 3, 2017 - Centennial Hall, London - Ontario Canada
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