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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!
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Showing posts with label Forty Below Records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forty Below Records. Show all posts
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live In 1967 Vol. 3. from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and it's terrific. Over the years I've embellished upon how much the British blues had on me personally and my personal taste in music. I's remarkable that these early tapes have come to light, featuring Green, Fleetwood, McVie and Mayall in their raw glory. It would have been a rare find when recorded and it's a real treat today. Opening with Brand New Start, Mayall on vocal, harmonica and organ is the leading force, with solid bottom by Fleetwood on drums, and the driving bass line of McVie but of course it's Mayall's harmonica and vocal, punched into oblivion by the sensitive hands of Green that make these cuts so vital. Listen to Green just rip away on Tear In My Eyes, a slow blues justcrafted excellently for Green's phrasing and style. He doesn't waste a phrase, making every impulse count, framed by Fleetwood. Brilliant! There's no question that the fidelity on some of this old tape is marginal, without it, these excellent examples of this band's work, which is not very plentiful would be all but lost. On Your Funeral And My Trial, it's all Mayall with some of his best harmonica and vocal on the release. Freddie King's Stumble is of course a real standout for Green with one fiery riff after another. This band truly was amazing. Wrapping the release is a strong cover of Otis Rush's Double Trouble, which translates to dark blues. Rush had an incredible ability to create more intensity per note than most any blues player in his time. Mayall not only had a nose for the best blues music happening anywhere in the world, but the ability to find and attract the best talent to join his quest, putting together the best functioning bands to spread the blues worldwide ... bar none, and to do over and again. Congratulations John on an excellent set and thanks to Forty Below for putting it together.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Weight Of The World, by Joe Louis Walker, and it's a cool uncompromised blues release. Opening with title track, The Weight Of The World, Joe Louis Walker on lead vocal and guitar leads the way on this R&B soaked track. His funky approach and with Eric Corne and Gia Ciambotti on backing vocals gives it even a gospel like feel. His guitar work is great, surrounded by Scott Milici on organ and backed by John Medeiros Jr on drums, Eddie Jackson on bongos, and Geoff Murfitt on bass. Strong opener. Soul track, Hello, It's The Blues, really has a rich approach with smooth backing vocals and Eric Gorfain on violins and tasty nylon string guitar work by Walker. Very nice. Blues rocker, Blue Mirror is my favorite track on the release with a strong feel of Chuch Berry or Keith Richards. Walker puts his own signature on it complimented by great riffs and great driving rhythm by Milici on piano, Murfitt on bass and Medeiros Jr on drums. Great! Wrapping the release is boogie, You Got Me Whipped, with a firm bass line by Murfitt and warm organ by Milici. I think Walker has held his best vocals for the last and really shines on this track and his guitar riffs are snappy and bluesy. Excellent closer.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Back On The Road To You, from Freedy Johnston and it's a well written and performed set of great tunes. Opening with Back On The Road To You, Freedy Johnston quickly demonstrates why he gets such critical praise. With strong vocal harmonies and a super melody, Johnston is joined by Dusty Wakeman on bass, Doug Pettibone with really nice lead and steel guitar riffs, and Sasha Smith on keys. Aimee Mann joins Johnston on Darlin', one of my favorites on the release with it's lush melody and lightly played steel guitar by Pettibone. Shimmering keys by Smith create an iridescence on the track. Susan Cowsill joins Johnston on pop rocker, The Power of Love with a total radio melody and concise attack. Pettibone adds in some real nice guitar flavor giving it just the right blend. Wrapping the release is The Really Miss Ya Blues with it's definite radio friendly melody. Perfect vocal harmony puts you in mind of the Everlys and with it's simple backing and rhythm, this is a solid closer.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, In Too Deep, from Sugaray Rayford and it's chocked full of R&B style blues. Opening with funky, Invisible Soldier, Sugaray Rayford is upfront with his powerful voice, backed by Rick Holmstrom on guitar, Drake Hunkikaid Shining on keys, Taras Prodaniuk on bass, Matt Tecu on drums and a powerful horn section consisting of Aaron Liddard on trumpet and Tom White on trombone. I really like the slinky bass line on No Limit To My Love blended with the subtle guitar lead of Eamon Ryland and vocal backing by Gia Ciambotti and Eric Corne. Very nice. Please Take My Hand is a really warm vocal track with sonic roots in field hollers or work songs. Nicely paired vocal backing by Rayford and Corne sets the lead vocal off nicely. My favorite track for radio play is One with it's smooth bottom and rich vocal. I like Prodaniuk's bass line on this one and the violin and cello work of Eric Gorfain and Richard Dodd. Wrapping the release is Booker T style United We Stand, with it's funky bottom and high stepping beat. Steve Cropper like guitar riffs from Holmstrom and punchy horns from Finch and White make this a solid closer.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Sun Is Shining Down, from one of the fathers of modern blues, John Mayall and it's quite good. Opening with Hungry and Ready, Mayall on harmonica and lead vocals, Melvin Taylor on lead guitar, Greg Rzab on bass, Jay Davenport on drums and Carolyn Wonderland on rhythm and with Ron Dziubla on sax, Mark Pender on trumpet, Richard Rosenberg on trombone providing a power horn sound. Dynamic opener. Markus King really hits hard on Can't Take No More with slashing guitar riffs over the tight rhythm by Davenport. With it's driving bass line by Rzab, Chills and Thrills, Mayall plays a nicely phrase piano solo and adds B3 warmth and Mike Campbell lays down a strong guitar lead. Very nice. Slower blues, A Quitter Never Wins showcases Mayall on lead vocal nicely, floating on his own key backing and intuitive harmonica punctuation. One of my favorites on the release is Driving Wheel again featuring Melvin Taylor on lead guitar. With a full horn backing and Mayall's solid vocals, this is another strong contender for top track on the release. Wrapping the release is title track, The Sun Is Shining Down with it's swampy rhythm and featuring Wonderland on lead guitar. This is a cool track that really simmers. Excellent closer.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (February 22, 2019), Nobody Told Me, from John Mayall and it's quite good. Opening with Magic Sam's, What Have I Done Wrong, a solid blues rocker, Mayall on lead vocal, keys and harp is joined by Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums and features Joe Bonamassa on guitars. Great opener. Larry McCray joins on The Moon Is Full with blistering guitar riffs over a really hard driving bass line by Rzab. Excellent! Rush veteran, Alex Lifeson joins on Evil And Here To Stay, a lumbering blues track with a healthy dose of Mayall on vocal, harp and piano. Lifeson shows an excellent adaptability from his hard driving rock sound to soulful blues riffs. Very nice. Little Milton's That's What Love Will Make You Do has a funky bass line by Rzab and tune master Todd Rundgren fires off some blistering blues guitar riffs of his own. Gary Moore's, The Hurt Inside, is one of my favorites on the release again with McCray on lead funky hot guitar and some of Mayall's best vocals on the release. Original Boogie track, Like It Like You Do has super vocals and piano by Mayall, a solid bottom and great boogie riffs by Carolyn Wonderland. Very cool. Wrapping the release is another original and title track, Nobody Told Me, a slow blues featuring Mayall way out front on vocal and piano with only the basic of backing and really soulful guitar soloing by Wonderland. This is a super wrapper for a very strong release by a certain father of the modern American blues revival in the 60's.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Somebody Save Me, from Sugaray Rayford and it's cool, dark and funky. Opening with The Revelator, Rayford is trudging into dark country. With an ominous bass line by Taras Prodaniuk, punctual guitar work by Rick Holmstrom, and cool trumpet by Mark Pender, with additional work by Sasha Smith on keys, Ron Dziubla on sax and Richard Rosenberg on trombone as well as a voodoo sounding choir made up of Eric Corne, Brittany Gael Vaughn, Brittney S. Wheeler, Gabriel M. Newman, J-Blake White, &Terika Jefferson. R&B track, You and I has an excellent melody with full horn section compliments of Pender, Dziubla and Rosenberg making is a solid radio track. One of my favorites on the release is I'd Kill For You, Honey, with a super moving blues bottom featuring a super bass line by Prodaniuk, Eamon Ryland on slide and Eric Corne on harp complimenting Rayford's excellent vocals. Soul ballad, Somebody Save Me, is another excellent showcase for Rayford's vocal sensitivity with backing vocals by Carol Hatchett and Roberta Freeman. Smith lays in an interesting keyboard solo and smooth backing by Eric Gorfain on violin and Richard Dodd on cello add warmth. Wrapping the release is Dark Night Of The Soul with not only power vocals but with a heavy bottom and dynamic harp work by Corne. Hot closer for a strong release.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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Sugaray Rayford Brings Vintage Soul Vibe to New
Album
Somebody Save
Me out
on Forty Below Records, March 1st
On March 1st, Forty Below Records
will release Somebody
Save Me, the new studio album from soul blues singer,
Sugaray Rayford. On the album’s opening track, “The Revelator”, Rayford
forcefully sings, “I’m a freak of nature / I ain’t no honey bee /
I’m an unknown creature / The like you’ve never seen” At 6’5” and 300
pounds, this cigar chompin’ ex-Marine with a voice like a force of
nature holds court in any room he enters. Possessing a magnetic
personality, and an old school vocal style that echoes Muddy Waters,
Otis Redding and Teddy Pendergrass, Rayford is also a stellar dancer
with moves reminiscent of the Legendary James Brown. Somebody
Save Me is an ambitious album that
slides gracefully between the new blues of Gary Clarke Jr. and
Fantastic Negrito, the rock & soul stylings of The War &
Treaty, and the vintage Daptone vibe of the late Charles Bradley
and Sharon Jones, bringing a fresh take to classic sounds. The album was written and produced by Forty Below
Records founder Eric Corne. Best known for his work with blues legends
John Mayall and Walter Trout, Corne and Forty Below have also launched
the careers of several talented new artists, such as Sam Morrow, Jaime
Wyatt and KaiL Baxley. A number of mainstays from Corne productions
feature strongly here including guitarist Rick Holmstrom (Mavis
Staples), bassist Taras Prodaniuk (Dwight Yoakam), drummer Matt Tecu
(Jakob Dylan), keyboardist Sasha Smith (Sam Beam), guitarist Eamon
Ryland (The Happy Mondays) and the horn section from Late Night with Conan
O’Brien, Corne recorded the bulk of the record live
and the chemistry of the performances infuses the songs with a
spontaneity and raw emotion. The ten songs on the album explore contrasting
themes of darkness and light. There is social commentary like on “Time
to get Movin’” “The mansions on the hillside / Look down on homeless
camps / While we’re caught in the crossfire / Lookin’ for the exit
ramps.” There are several love songs, including two gorgeous soul
ballads, “My Cards are on the Table” and “Somebody Save Me”, the Stax
inspired “You and I” and the more Motown leaning “Is it Just Me”, “She
could bring peace / To the Middle East / They'd be ready
to sign / Free the worst villain / From the tightest prison /
And have the warden waving goodbye.” The album is full of inspired arrangements with
several unexpected twists and turns; like the John Barry (James Bond)
inspired bridge of “Angels and Devils”; the wobbly 1950’s inspired
keyboard solo and lush strings of the title tracks, recorded with The
Section Quartet (Ryan Adams, Father John Misty); and the gospel choir,
shape-shifting keyboards and dramatic horns of “The Revelator”
which seamlessly blends blues, soul and jazz with a hint of
reggae. But at the center of it all is Sugaray Rayford’s
commanding voice, tying it all together. With his 8-piee crack band and personal charm,
Rayford’s live shows are quickly becoming re-known for their
high-energy and celebratory nature, with Rayford whipping the crowds
into a frenzy, like a Gospel Preacher, in the studio and in person,
Sugaray Rayford is developing a reputation as a force to be reckoned
with and an artist to watch in the coming years.
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (4/20/18), Happy Songs for the Apocalypse, by Eric Corne and I really like it. Opening with Mad World, a British feeling folk tune with contemporary sensibility, it is acoustic and ethereal featuring Corne on vocal, acoustic and electric guitar, Eamon Ryland on pedal steel and Sasha Smith onWurlizter, Ian Walker on bass, David Ralicke on horns and Andrew Crosby on drums. Ridin' With Lady Luck is a simple Neil Young like rocker featuring Walter Trout on lead guitar, Corne on lead vocal and harp. One of the strongest radio tracks on the release is Locomotion with it's seductive rhythm, full horn work of Ralicke, tight drums by Blair Sinta and cool slide work by Eamon Ryland . Solid ballad, History Repeats, has a real nice symmetry. It puts me in mind of some of the strong tracks written by the band in the 70's with Skip Edwards on particularly nice pedal steel and keys, Ted Russell Kamp on bass and Matt Tecu on drums. Ashen Heart is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a strong melody some of my favorite vocals on the release. Corne, who sings, whistles and plays acoustic guitar on the track shows influence of Harry Nilsson...a strong compliment. Wrapping the release is Sing, Little Darlin' Sing, a solid track featuring Corne accompanying himself on Ukelele. This is a really understated release but one that has a memorable feel. Check it out!
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Three For The Road, a new live album from John Mayall and it's quite cool. Opening with shuffle track, Big Town Playboy, Mayall is back full and strong on vocal, keys and harmonica with Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums. Classic, I Feel So Bad, is up-tempo and Mayall's piano playing gives it a jazzy feel. On piano boogie, The Sum Of Something, Rzab really nails the bass line and Mayall's piano rolls are super. A terrific display of what Mayall is all about. On Latin flavored, Streamline, Davenpot sets the stage on drums, accented by Rzab and Mayall's organ work balances nicely with his vocals. Extended organ soloing by Mayall really makes this track shine. Very nice. Bringing the tempo way down, Tears Came Rolling Down, on a great Sonny Boy Williamson bar is my favorite track on the release. Mayall's definitive vocals and poised piano phrasing coupled with Rzab and Davenport give this 9+ minute track solid traction. With a broad swing, Don't Deny Me has a great groove. Mayall rides high on organ and Rzab's bass work drives the snap on Davenport's snare. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Congo Square, with Mayall's classic harp riffs and snappy New Orleans like snare drumming. Mayall has been out there playing as long as I can remember and his sound is every bit as strong now, possibly stronger than much of his past 25 years. Keep going John.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Talk About That, from John Mayall and it's diverse with a wealth of blues. Opening with title track, Talk About That, John Mayall steps up with a funky blues track, bucked by Rocky Athas on guitar, Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums. Mayall's vocals are solid with super funky organ and cool bass riffs. Blues rocker, It's Hard Going Up has a nice guitar vamp and cool horn work from Ron Dziubla on sax, Mark Pender on trumpet and Nick Lane on trombone. Funky blues number, The Devil Must Be Laughing has a sweet guitar intro and soloing by Joe Walsh and with it's dark overtones, is one of my favorite tracks on the release. New Orleans flavored, Gimme Some Of That Gumbo, highlights the drum work of Davenport and Mayall's piano playing is super of course with terrific horn work. Athas breaks loose with hot riffs of his own on this one adding flame to an already smoking track. Chicago style blues track, Goin' Away Baby, features light drum work and Mayall on harp and vocal. Very cool! Cards On The Table features Joe Walsh again on slide this time with a cool rolling rhythm. Walsh has a really distinctive style and he lays it out here nicely. Shuffle track, Don't Deny Me has a great swing with crisp riffs from Athas and super rolling piano by Mayall, backed nicely by Pender on trumpet and over a super walking bass line by Rzab. another track with a cool rocking beat is Across The County Line. With Rzab and Davenport setting the stage Mayall really delivers on vocals and piano and Athas nails the guitar lead with super horn punctuation. Very nice. Wrapping the release is You Never Know, an easy piano shuffle with only the basics of bass and drums supporting Mayalls vocals.This is different from the most recent two Mayall releases that I have reviewed but very enjoyable.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
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Forty Below
Records Set to Release John Mayall’s Talk About That Album on Vinyl
February 17
Vinyl Package
to Include Free Download Card
LOS ANGELES, CA – Forty Below Records announces a February
17 release date for the vinyl edition of iconic musician and Blues Hall of Fame
member John Mayall’s latest album, Talk About That. Originally
released on CD January 27, the vinyl version will also include a free download
card.
Joining Mayall (vocals, keyboards, harmonica and guitar) and
Greg Rzab (bass), Jay Davenport (drums) and Rocky Athas (guitar) as special
guest is legendary guitarist Joe Walsh, who plays on two tracks, “The Devil
Must Be Laughing” and “Cards on the Table,” both John Mayall compositions.
John Mayall will begin a lengthy European tour in early
February. His most-recent American dates included several days onboard the
“Legends Cruise,” and featured an exciting special guest appearance from
another legend – Todd Rundgren – who jammed on guitar with John and the band on
the Otis Rush classic, “All Your Love.”
Talk About That is drawing rave reviews from
the press and extensive radio airplay. “…Mayall continues to work tirelessly to spread the blues gospel…the 11 tracks
offer a master class in contemporary blues, topped off with a helping of
Mayall’s trademark lyrical wit and even a guest appearance by Joe Walsh”
- People.com.
“Talk About Thatranks with the best.
Some may talk about that statement all day, but in the end, it’s true.
Everything that defines a great album is here. Mayall wrote some songs that
matter, and interspersed three smart covers. His quartet, aided by a trio of
brass as needed, smokes every one with remarkable potency.” – Elmore
Magazine
Watch a special musicUcansee.com
video of the making of Talk about That
Produced by John Mayall (who also designed the album
package) and Forty Below Records president Eric Corne (who also engineered and
mixed), Talk about That was recorded at House of Blues Studio in
Encino, California, and contains 11 tracks: eight originals, plus covers from
Memphis soul music songwriter Bettye Crutcher (“It’s Hard Going Up”), blues
great Jimmy Rogers (“Goin’ Away Baby”) and rock singer/songwriter Jerry Lynn
Williams (“Don’t Deny Me”). The album also showcases a three-piece horn section
that adds extra punch on several tracks, including the infectious New
Orleans-flavored “Gimme Some of that Gumbo.”
“When I first had
the idea for the title track, ‘Talk about That,’ I wanted to write lyrics that
were about aspects of life that were running through my head,” John Mayall
recalled. “I also wanted to give the song a modern groove that would convey the
fun mood driving the piece. Greg and Jay laid down a really infectious
rhythm for me to feature my keyboard chops and bring the song to life with a
really funky feel driving it.”
Throughout
his career, John Mayall has always written timely songs that reflect what he
sees going on in the world around him, whether it’s war, poverty, social
injustice or personal introspection. Such is the case with “The Devil Must Be
Laughing,” which deals with the current political and world climate. And that
incentive also brought him in touch with Joe Walsh, who contributes some
percolating guitar work that melds perfectly with the song’s theme.
“A day
before we recorded ‘The Devil Must Be Laughing,’ we got a message through the
studio owner that Joe Walsh wanted to come by and possibly play on a track or
two as a guest,” Mayall said. “Who was I to say no to that idea! So, Joe
turned up at noon on the appointed day and with only a quick listen, plugged in
and we did the song in one take. The second song closely followed, and
with a smile and a quick photo, Joe was done and on his way. What a kick
for all of us that day!”
For Joe Walsh, playing on a session
with one of his musical heroes held a special place. “It
has been a bucket-list item since 1970 to play with John Mayall,” Walsh
said. “John had a run of GREAT British guitarists (one after another)
with his ‘Bluesbreakers’ albums, and that’s how many of us in the States
became aware of them. Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor - I
studied them all for hours and became a much better guitarist as a
result. The albums were legendary stuff and I have wanted to work with John for
years and years, wondering what it would be like.
“Finally got the chance - and he
was the complete gentleman and fine, fine musician I had always hoped he would
be. When you meet a hero who helped shape your career – it’s a wonderful
feeling to find they’re even cooler than you always thought they were.”
Blues Hall of
Fame Member John Mayall Set to Release New CD, Talk about That,on
January 27, 2017, from Forty Below Records
Latest Album
Features Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member Joe Walsh as Special Guest on
Two Tracks
LOS ANGELES, CA – Iconic musician and Blues Hall of Fame
member John Mayall will release his latest CD, Talk about That,
on January 27 from Forty Below Records. Joining Mayall (vocals, keyboards,
harmonica and guitar) and Greg Rzab (bass), Jay Davenport (drums) and Rocky
Athas (guitar) as special guest is legendary guitarist Joe Walsh, who plays on
two tracks, “The Devil Must Be Laughing” and “Cards on the Table,” both John
Mayall compositions. The songs showcase Walsh’s amazing guitar work and are
destined to be two of the many highlights on this new disc. Talk about
That will be available for pre-orders at both Amazon.com and iTunes
starting December 9.
Watch a special preview video of
the making of Talk about That:
Produced by John Mayall (who also designed the album
package) and Forty Below Records president Eric Corne (who also engineered and
mixed), Talk about That was recorded at House of Blues Studio in
Encino, California, and contains 11 tracks: eight originals, plus covers from
Memphis soul music songwriter Bettye Crutcher (“It’s Hard Going Up”), blues
great Jimmy Rogers (“Goin’ Away Baby”) and rock singer/songwriter Jerry Lynn
Williams (“Don’t Deny Me”). The album also showcases a three-piece horn section
that adds extra punch on several tracks, including the infectious New
Orleans-flavored “Gimme Some of that Gumbo.”
“When I first had
the idea for the title track, ‘Talk about That,’ I wanted to write lyrics that
were about aspects of life that were running through my head,” says John
Mayall. “I also wanted to give the song a modern groove that would convey the
fun mood driving the piece. Greg and Jay laid down a really infectious
rhythm for me to feature my keyboard chops and bring the song to life with a
really funky feel driving it.”
Throughout
his career, John Mayall has always written timely songs that reflect what he
sees going on in the world around him, whether it’s war, poverty, social
injustice or personal introspection. Such is the case with “The Devil Must Be
Laughing,” which deals with the current political and world climate. And that
incentive also brought him in touch with Joe Walsh, who contributes some
percolating guitar work that melds perfectly with the song’s theme.
“A day
before we recorded ‘The Devil Must Be Laughing,’ we got a message through the
studio owner that Joe Walsh wanted to come by and possibly play on a track or
two as a guest,” recalls Mayall. “Who was I to say no to that idea! So,
Joe turned up at noon on the appointed day and with only a quick listen,
plugged in and we did the song in one take. The second song closely
followed, and with a smile and a quick photo, Joe was done and on his way.
What a kick for all of us that day!”
For Joe Walsh, playing on a session with one of his musical
heroes also held a special place. “It has been a
bucket-list item since 1970 to play with John Mayall,” states Walsh. “John
had a run of GREAT British guitarists (one after another) with his
‘Bluesbreakers’ albums, and that’s how many of us in the States
became aware of them. Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor - I
studied them all for hours and became a much better guitarist as a
result. The albums were legendary stuff and I have wanted to work with John for
years and years, wondering what it would be like.
“Finally got the chance - and he
was the complete gentleman and fine, fine musician I had always hoped he would
be. When you meet a hero who helped shape your career – it’s a wonderful
feeling to find they’re even cooler than you always thought they were.”
The recording sessions for Talk about That also
represent the last recordings with Mayall’s quartet band lineup, as shortly
after they were completed, guitarist Rocky Athas left the band to pursue his
solo career. Starting with the recent fall tour dates of the British blues
“Godfather,” his band became a trio with Mayall, Rzab and Davenport.
In September, John Mayall issued the following statement:
“By now, many of you will have heard the dramatic news that
I will now be performing live shows as a trio. I feel I should explain how it
all came about in a chain of events that led to my decision. Due to
severe storm conditions recently, guitarist Rocky Athas was unable to get out
of Dallas for my recent festival shows that led to my performing as a
trio. Having never performed anywhere or at any time without a guitar
sidekick, I found that I was able to explore new territories in a trio
configuration playing organ, keyboards, harmonica and guitar. Needless to
say I was surprised at how different and stimulating the experience was for me
as a performer.
“When I told Rocky Athas of my decision, he was very
understanding and hopefully his popularity in my band for the past seven years
will be increased as he resumes his solo career. To me it seems fitting
that the final guitar position in my band featured one of the nicest and most
talented guys I’ve known and the best in his field. We all wish him well.
“So now, as Greg Rzab, Jay Davenport and I embark on several
weeks of intensive touring all around the States, we hope you all will enjoy
the fireworks coming your way as my live show calendar brings us to your
expectant ears.”
The John Mayall trio will continue to tour throughout the
fall and into early 2017 in the U.S., followed by a lengthy European tour in
February. The American tour includes several days onboard the “Legends Cruise,”
leaving Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and sailing from January 19 – 23.
Forty Below
Records Releases Today a Special 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl Version of John
Mayall’s Bluesbreakers Live in 1967 – Volume Two
Second Edition
of Previously Unreleased Live Recordings Feature John Mayall, Peter Green, John
McVie and Mick Fleetwood
LOS ANGELES, CA – Forty Below Records today (July 8)
released a special 2-LP gatefold vinyl version of the second set of
previously unavailable live recordings from newly-elected Blues Hall of Fame
inductee John Mayall and his classic 1967 Bluesbreakers band, titled John
Mayall’s Bluesbreakers– Live in 1967- Volume Two. The new two-LP set,
which follows the May 6 release of the set on CD, continues the archival
blues path blazed in Volume One that captures heralded performances of one of
the best of the Bluesbreakers band lineups, featuring iconic musicians John
Mayall (vocals, keyboards, harmonica), Peter Green (lead guitar), John McVie
(bass) and Mick Fleetwood (drums). (“A welcome second helping” – Rolling
Stone; “Essential listening” – Blues Music Magazine;
“Raw, uncontested power blues.” – Elmore).
Distributed by Sony/RED, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers –
Live in 1967 – Volume Two showcases a legendary group of players who
while only together a short three months, created a lasting legacy, made an
immense impact on music and led to the formation of one of the most acclaimed
groups of all-time when Green, McVie and Fleetwood left to form Fleetwood Mac.
Produced by John Mayall (who also did the cover package photography, artwork
and design) and Forty Below’s Eric Corne from one channel reel-to-reel original
tapes recorded by Tom Huissen, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers– Live in 1967-
Volume Two contains performances recorded in the Spring of 1967 at such
well-known London venues as Bromley, The Marquee Club, The Ram Jam Club and
Klook’s Kleek.
“I am so happy that the remaining usable tracks from these
London club dates have been released as a follow-up to the well-received Volume
One,” says John Mayall about the new album. “Peter Green as before is on fire
throughout and this set includes a great instrumental based on his composition,
‘Greeny.’ There are a couple of Otis Rush tracks that were included on the
first volume, but they are from different venues and totally different. I
couldn’t possibly let these slide. Also, there is another version of
T-Bone Walker’s 'Stormy Monday’ that is sung by Ronnie Jones, who would
frequently sit in at our gigs. John McVie gets in a great bass solo on ‘Chicago
Line’ and Mick Fleetwood drives the whole set with his unique and powerful
drumming. With these new tracks added to the collection, it pretty much
features all the material we had in our repertoire at that time and I’m very
glad that you can now enjoy this great piece of rock/blues history.”
Volume Two showcases three John Mayall originals including
the opening track, all-time blues classic “Tears in My Eyes;” “Chicago Line;”
and “Please Don’t Tell,” a great example of the power blues sound The
Bluesbreakers were revered for around the world. These historical
performances were captured for all time and largely unheard for almost fifty
years until John Mayall recently obtained the tapes and began restoring them with
the technical assistance of Eric Corne. Speaking about the tapes, Corne says,
“While the source recording was very rough and the final result is certainly
not hi-fidelity, it does succeed in allowing us to hear how spectacular these
performances are.”
The Bluesbreakers live sets at the time of these
performances included songs that had originally appeared on the first two band
studio recordings with Eric Clapton and Peter Green, respectively, holding down
the guitar chair in the group, as well as some that would soon be recorded for
the third LP, Crusade, by which time Green, McVie and Fleetwood
had left to start Fleetwood Mac and the new guitar player was a young,
then-unknown Mick Taylor, who would later go on to further fame and glory as a
member of The Rolling Stones.
Of the new album’s 13 tracks, three are songs that first
appeared on Volume One, although these new tracks included here were recorded
on different nights and ably demonstrate how improvisational the band could be
infusing a different feel and tone from night-to-night. Of particular interest
is the inclusion of the version of “Stormy Monday,” which features special
guest vocalist Ronnie Jones, a former American serviceman and original member
of the first incarnation of
Blues Incorporated, a contemporary band to the Bluesbreakers, which included
Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker during its lifetime.
Another highlight is the Peter Green instrumental, “Greeny,” which perfectly
states the case for why he is still revered as one of the best-ever
guitarists.
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers– Live in 1967- Volume
Two – Track Listing
Side A
1 TEARS IN MY
EYES
7:31
Mayall/Warner/Chappell Music Ltd (PRS)
2 YOUR FUNERAL AND MY
TRIAL
5:32
Williamson/Arc Music (BMI)
3 SO MANY
ROADS
8:18
Marshall/Arc Music (BMI)
Side B
4 BYE BYE
BIRD
5:02
Dixon-Williamson/Arc Music-Hoochie Coochie Music (BMI)
5 PLEASE DON’T TELL
4:08
Mayall/Carlin Music (PRS)
6 SWEET LITTLE ANGEL
6:10
King-Taub/Universal Music (BMI)
7 TALK TO YOUR
DAUGHTER
3:00
Lenoir-Atkins/BMG Platinum Songs obo Arc Music
(BMI)
