Discover the mesmerizing musical journey of Maria Muldaur, a renowned musician whose career spans back to the late 1960s. With a deep appreciation for blues and jazz, Muldaur has collaborated with numerous music giants, leaving an indelible mark on American roots music.
One of her defining moments came in 1973 with the release of her debut album, featuring the hit song “Midnight at the Oasis.” The catchy, whimsical love song skyrocketed to the top of the charts and remains her biggest hit.
Maria Muldaur
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15
Where: The Egg, Albany
Tickets: $29.50
More info: theegg.org
And she continues to thrive in the music industry today, still finding joy in her craft even after 50 years. On Friday, don’t miss the opportunity to witness her “Way Past Midnight” tour at The Egg in Albany, a multimedia experience that encapsulates her illustrious six-decade career. From her early years with jug bands like Even Dozen and Jim Kweskin, to collaborations with legends such as Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Garcia, and Taj Mahal, this performance is a testament to her enduring legacy.
Describing the retrospective as a captivating blend of music, stories, videos, and photos from various stages of her career, Muldaur promises an unforgettable evening. She will be accompanied by her talented trio, the Red Hot Bluesiana Band, known for their distinctive blend of New Orleans-flavored blues, R&B, swamp funk, and jazz influences.
Having released 43 albums under her own name since 1973 and collaborating on many others, Muldaur shows no signs of slowing down. Recording for a new album is scheduled to begin in early 2024, showcasing her unwavering dedication to various forms of American roots music.
Throughout the summer, Muldaur has thrilled audiences at blues festivals and other venues. She has also delighted fans by occasionally performing with The Garcia Project, a remarkable Jerry Garcia tribute band. The Way Past Midnight tour will take her to various locations including New England, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Muldaur’s musical journey started at the young age of 16, deeply influenced by the emerging folk scene. She was drawn to the soulful sounds of old-time Appalachian music, bluegrass, and blues. Under the mentorship of blues icon Victoria Spivey, Muldaur honed her performance skills and discovered the timeless beauty of classic blues.
With the Even Dozen Jug Band and the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Muldaur made her first recordings at the age of 21, marking the beginning of her remarkable recording career. Her musical influences span a wide range, from Dr. John and Doc Watson to Ry Cooder, Taj Mahal, and Hoagy Carmichael. Collaborations with luminaries like Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples, Aaron Neville, and John Sebastian have further enriched her musical journey.
Accolades have followed Muldaur throughout her storied career, including six Grammy nominations and critical acclaim. Her collaborations with renowned musicians such as David Bromberg, Joan Baez, Odetta, and Koko Taylor have solidified her status as a respected artist.
Notably, her last album, “Let’s Get Happy Together,” recorded in New Orleans during the pandemic, brought her immense joy. Collaborating with the talented young street musicians known as Tuba Skinny, Muldaur found herself immersed in the vintage jazz and blues sounds she adores. The album was honored with the Best Traditional Jazz Album award in the prestigious New Orleans Offbeat Magazine’s Best Of The Beat awards for 2021-2022.
As she prepares to grace the stage at The Egg, Muldaur expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with music lovers in the area. Join her in this once-in-a-lifetime experience and revel in the magic of Maria Muldaur’s extraordinary musical career.
