In 2003, the Blind Boys of Alabama began a yearly tradition of touring during the holiday season on the heels of their independently-released Christmas album that year, ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain.’ That tour success has inspired the band’s brand new Christmas album ‘Talkin’ Christmas!’ Joining them for this special project is their friend and frequent touring partner, Taj Mahal.

This collaboration brings a blues-meets-gospel sound unlike the usual Christmas-season fare. The album includes both the familiar and fresh—with a rocking new take on the seasonal favourite, Do You Hear What I Hear, plus five new Blind Boys originals (including a collaboration with soul legend, William Bell) and covers of some of Gospel music’s greatest seasonal gems.

The Blind Boys-Taj Mahal collaboration brings a blues-meets-gospel sound unlike the usual Christmas-season fare. With Taj Mahal on guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica and lending his vocals on 2 key tracks, the album is a full-fledged holiday celebration evoking the true spirit of the season with pure joy, great voices and that ‘all-are-welcome’ message that only the Blind Boys of Alabama can bring.