After decades as a bluesman, Taj Mahal has earned his place in the pantheon of American music. But this takes him to a slightly different place: Hawaii, where he made his home for a number of years. He's always had a relaxed approach to music, and the Islands must have been a perfect fit for him. But Mahal has also had a long interest in the music of the Caribbean, so it's interesting to hear him adapt Toots's ska classic, "Monkey Man," to his style, on the tropically flavored "Coconut Man." Whatever he tackles, however, the blues is at the basis of everything he does; it's part of his soul now. But there are, as he shows, as many ways to approach the blues as there are bluesmen. His experience and innovation have made Mahal one of the great second (or possibly third) generation blues figures. It's nice to know he hasn't stopped pushing the envelope. --Chris Nickson