Original Release Date: August 16, 2005. Number of Discs: 2. Label: Sony / Columbia / Legacy. Total Length: 2:30:52. The Essential Taj Mahal pulls together the bluesman's Columbia, Warner, Gramavision Private Music, and Hannibal labels' recordings, making it the first truly cross-licensed compilation of his work. Given the depth and breadth of this set (it covers four decades), the listener gets not only a cross-sectional view of the artist, but also his innovative and idiosyncratic journey through the blues: Mahal has not only kept the tradition alive, he's expanded it and deepened it, tracing its roots and developments through the course of American, Caribbean, and African cultures. While there is no unreleased material here, there doesn't need to be. The sheer adventure in these recordings reveals the wealth of the contribution Mahal has made not only to the blues, but to popular culture both present and past. This is a comp to own, to be moved by, and to ultimately enjoy.

CD1
01. Leaving Trunk (4:48)
02. Statesboro Blues (2:59)
03. The Celebrated Walkin' Blues (8:52)
04. She Caught the Katy (and Left Me a Mule to Ride) (3:30)
05. Corinna (3:03)
06. Going Up to the Country, Paint My Mailbox Blue (3:39)
07. Take a Giant Step (4:18)
08. Six Days on the Road (3:01)
09. Country Blues #1 (2:38)
10. Fishin' Blues (3:08)
11. Ain't Gwine Whistle Dixie (Anymo') (8:37)
12. You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond (6:17)
13. Happy to Be Just Like I Am (3:53)
14. West Indian Revelation (6:06)
15. Texas Woman Blues (2:56)
16. Cakewalk into Town (2:35)
17. Frankie & Albert (3:59)
18. Railroad Bill (2:48)

CD2
01. Johnny Too Bad (3:15)
02. Slave Driver (2:43)
03. (Clara) St. Kitts Woman (4:16)
04. When I Feel the Sea Beneath My Soul (3:07)
05. Satisfied 'n' Tickled Too (5:26)
06. Love Theme in the Key of D (8:07)
07. Everybody Is Somebody (3:32)
08. Crossing (2:34)
09. Don't Call Us (4:21)
10. Big Legged Mommas Are Back in Style (4:20)
11. That's How Strong My Love Is (3:11)
12. Here in the Dark (3:09)
13. Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes (2:40)
14. Señor Blues (6:46)
15. The New Hula Blues (4:47)
16. Queen Bee (5:06)
17. Cruisin' (3:49)
18. John Henry (w/ Etta Baker) (3:41)