Record Reviews

JOHN MAYALL ~ ROLLING WITH THE BLUES - LIVE INDIGO 004 (Barcode: 5036436131228) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1982 Released: 2021 This is a reissue of an archival release by the Godfather of British Blues vocalist / guitarist / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader John MayallFind albums by this artist presenting live recordings captured between 1972 and 1982 by several different lineups of his groups. The 2CD album was initially released in 2003 and also included a DVD with an interview by Mayall, which is omitted on this release. All the music, except for two tracks, which are Jazz / Blues standards, was composed by Mayall. CD1 presents twelve tracks recorded in Germany in 1972 and 1973, which feature the sextet version of Mayall’s group with trumpeter Blue MitchellFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Clifford SolomonFind albums by this artist or Red HollowayFind albums by this artist, guitarist Freddie RobinsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Victor GaskinFind albums by this artist and drummer Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist, which document the period when his groups featured brass instruments, as documented on the live “Jazz Blues FusionFind albums with this title” and “Moving OnFind albums with this title” albums and the “Ten Years Are GoneFind albums with this title” studio album recorded at that time. CD2 presents four tracks recorded in the US in 1980, which feature the quintet version of his group with saxophonist Red Holloway, guitarist James Quill SmithFind albums by this artist, bassist Kevin McCormickFind albums by this artist and drummer Soko RichardsonFind albums by this artist. These are followed by six tracks recorded in the US in 1982, which feature the classic quartet version of the BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, with guitarist Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassists John McVieFind albums by this artist or Steve ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Colin AllenFind albums by this artist, as documented later on the “Return Of The BluesbreakersFind albums with this title” album. The album is a great document of Mayall’s dexterity and diversity, with his music and the lineups of his groups constantly changing, but never leaving the Blues path. Overall, this is a wonderful glimpse at the continuous life story of one of the greatest musicians to walk the earth, who now, for over six decades, still keeps making great music and laughing at the time passing by. A must to all Mayall many fans, followers and collectors of his recordings.

Updated: 05/11/2021Posted: 05/11/2021

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