For more than 40 years, the legendary Taj Mahal has delighted fans with his effortless and eclectic blending of cross-cultural musical styles. He is a master of finger-picking country blues, bluegrass banjo, slide guitar, R&B, reggae, music of Hawaii, the Caribbean and beyond.

What ties the musician's vast catalogue together is his abiding interest in musical discovery, particularly in tracing many American musical forms back to their roots in Africa and Europe. Following his passion, Taj has spent time in West Africa, Europe, the South Pacific, Australia, South America, and all over the continental U.S. His music reflects his global perspective, incorporating sounds from everywhere he's lived and traveled.

A self-taught musician, Taj plays more than 20 instruments, including the National Steel and Dobro guitars. With his unmistakable voice ranging from gruff and gravelly to smooth and sultry, Taj Mahal's unique delivery is part of what has made him a national treasure. One of the most prominent figures in late 20th century blues, the singer and multi-instrumentalist played an enormous role in revitalizing and preserving traditional acoustic blues.

2008 has been a big year for the talented musician. In addition to embarking on a 40th Anniversary tour with his longtime trio featuring drummer Kester Smith and bassist Bill Rich to celebrate his four decades as a recording artist (his eponymous debut was released by Columbia Records in 1968), Taj Majal also issued his first collection of new studio material in five years with the Grammy nominated 'Maestro.'

Taj Mahal Trio
Wedsday-Sunday, Dec. 2-6, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sun.) $5-$28
Yoshi's Oakland