LISTENING IN: ‘Soul-stirring’ Stateboro blues has still got it

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ “Stateboro Blues” is remarkably still as a staple, nearly 100 years after the song was written. Stick with me here: the modern version of the song is most notably a classic Allman Brothers tune, pre-eminently known from the band’s iconic 1971 album “At Filmore East” (considered by some the best southern rock album of all time).

Once rated the 9^th best guitar song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, it has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

But before the Allmans, the song was introduced in the mid 1960s by then budding blues legend Taj Majal, who ultimately put it on his debut album in 1968 (thereby inspiring the Allmans).

But Taj’s “wonderfully modern” take on the song was merely an update of a well-worn Blind Willie McTell song from 1928, which has been described historically as a “superb example of storytelling in music, coupled with dazzling guitar work.” (Statesboro is a town in Georgia)

Along the way, both Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, and many others, put their own stamp on it.

Which brings us to today’s video, featuring two of the modern authors of the song, Gregg Allman and Taj Mahal, performing it together with a stellar backing band that notably includes today’s hot ticket, Chris Stapleton.

This remastered performance is from something called Skyville Live, which had put together a live tribute to Gregg Allman sometime before he died in 2017. (Taj Mahal is currently going strong at age 84 and performing in Montreal on July 2).

Still Got the Blues lauds the performance as “a harmonious collision of two iconic voices in the blues world (with) electrifying energy that captivates hearts and souls.

“The collaboration between these two legends not only honours the blues tradition but also elevates it to new heights. The live rendition captures the essence of the genre’s emotional depth and showcases the artists’ remarkable chemistry. For those seeking an authentic and soul-stirring musical experience, this performance is an absolute must-listen.”

We concur.