Thursday, 3 July 2014

John Mayall - "A Special Life"

Elder bluesmen don't fade away, they just keep on groovin'. That's proven on this new recording by legendary veteran John "The Godfather of British Blues" Mayall.
Mayall, 81, returns with his first new studio album in five years. And with more than 50 years experience, the man has nothing to prove. He's done it all - country blues, progressive blues, jazz-blues, blues-rock, drumless, electric and horn-driven - and he's worked with such top musicians as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Coco Montoya, Sugarcane Harris, Blue Mitchell, Jack Bruce and so many others.

On "A Special Life" he plays it straight and simple, just backed by his band of five years featuring guitarist Rocky Athas. Mayall's voice is strong, as are his keyboard and harmonica chops. He sounds fit and able, not the least bit tired or weary.

The original tunes are simply straightforward blues, no deviation into other styles. It's Mayall at his best, doing what he does best: the blues his way.
- Eric Feber, The Pilot

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