The Taj Mahal Trio

What could possibly go wrong with your music talents if you have a jazz pianist for a father and a gospel singer for a mother? “Nothing,” is what Henry St. Claire Fredericks must have thought when he learned to play various instruments as a little boy and has been unstoppable ever since. Fredericks manifested himself in Springfield in the 1950s as an inquisitive talent, who was taught the basics of the blues by his neighbor. Partly due to the great ethnic diversity in his hometown, he transformed himself into a musical kaleidoscope with influences from practically every part of the world. Under the alias 'Taj Mahal' he combines the swinging sounds of the Caribbean with temperamental South American and even African sounds. This without losing sight of the old-fashioned Delta and Chicago blues for a moment.

In a career spanning almost fifty years, Taj produced no fewer than 25 albums and won two Grammy Awards in the 'Best Blues Album' category. . With his unique voice and creative use of instruments, he takes concertgoers on an impressive musical journey of discovery.

The famous building in India may be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but in our opinion the name Taj Mahal deserves an additional mention in this prestigious list.