Taj Mahal and Keb 'Mo' are without doubt two of comtemporary blues' biggest names - of their generation. Two tradition bearers, but also two renovators of blues with a total of five Grammies under them, and of course an impressive stack of nominations and other awards. We are proud to present a concert with these two and a carefully hand-picked band in Romsdalsmuseet during this summer's festival. 

Taj Mahal was, as the son of a jazz pianist, born to a life of music. In 1963 Taj Mahal started the short-lived band Rising Sons, with the then seventeen years old guitarist Ry Cooder. But it was only when he went solo in 1968 that his career gained momentum. He mastered the instruments guitar, banjo, ukulele, piano and harmonica, and as an artist, he has been responsible for a lot of pioneering work. His importance to the blues is priceless. Discography of the legend is large and diverse, and he has made film music, children's albums and collaborated with Indian and African musicians. More than fifty years after his debut, he is steadily active and touring frequently. Taj Mahal is perhaps best known for his distinctive and personal style that takes up elements from both country and Caribbean and African music traditions. 

The singer and guitarist Keb 'Mo' debuted under his real name Kevin Moore in 1980, but his rise to fame began in earnest with the album "Keb 'Mo'" (1994). He is known as an unusually good songwriter, and is described as someone who stands in direct connection with the Delta blues that traveled up Mississippi river and out to the whole of America. in 1998 he played the role of blue legend Robert Johnson in a documentary titled "Can't You Hear the Wind Howl?", and when the legendary director Martin Scorsese made a documentary about the blues he devoted an entire episode to Keb 'Mo' and his music.