Record Reviews
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  | DICK HECKSTALL-SMITH ~ BLUES AND BEYOND
BLUE STORM 004 (Barcode: 5050232500422) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
This is the last album by British saxophonist / composer Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, recorded before his passing in 2004. The album, produced by Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, includes an incredible list of British musicians, who played with him during his career: guitarists Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist and Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, drummers Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and vocalists Rab McCulloughFind albums by this artist, Paul JonesFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Paul WilliamsFind albums by this artist. John MayallFind albums by this artist plays piano and several other musicians also take part in the proceedings. The album presents twelve tracks, most of which are originals by Heckstall-Smith and some are Blues standards.
As the list of names and the album’s title suggest, the album is dedicated to Blues and Blues-Rock material, which of course was always a part of Heckstall-Smith’s background in addition to his Jazz-Rock Fusion, Prog and Jazz activities.
The music is absolutely delightful, as expected, and the guests / friends invited to participate do not disappoint. The album is full of great tunes, brilliant guitar soli and evocative vocals, all within the Blues idiom, spiced with Heckstall-Smith’s idiosyncratic saxophone playing. Of course the album brings fond memories of his activities with Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist and ColosseumFind albums by this artist, which were icons of the British scene for many years.
Overall, this is a brilliant and sadly little known album by one of the true heroes of the British Blues, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Jazz scenes. It certainly deserves to be heard and if anybody can find a copy of it, it is wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 03/02/2022Posted: 03/02/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ 70TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT (COLLECTORS` EDITION)
EAGLE VISION 022 (Barcode: 5034504902299) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
This superb DVD documents the special 70th Birthday concert organized as a tribute to one of UK greatest and most important musicians - bandleader and champion of the Blues – John MayallFind albums by this artist. Mayall was a pivotal figure, which shaped the British musical scene since the mid-1960s and was crucial as a precursor of Blues, Blues-Rock, Rock and even Jazz-Rock. Over the years Mayall’s band included the creme de la creme of British players, who later became the heroes and spawned countless famous bands. The list is just too long to be included here, but every music lover surely knows them all. The most sensational event of the concert was the one-time reunion of the BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist lineup, which included Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and recorded one of the most influential Blues albums of all times. Another guitar hero – Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist – also joins Mayall on the stage, and the list of legends goes on and on. These are well over two hours of some of the best Blues music one can imagine and I can’t even think of a Blues fan anywhere in the world not having this in their collection. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 137 minutes.
| | | CD+DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BARE WIRES (EXPANDED EDITION)
DECCA 842178 (Barcode: 602498421789) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007
8th album by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, and his most ambitious project by far. The Bluesbreakers’ lineup was extended to a septet and included Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist on guitar, Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist on bass, Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist on drums and a brass section which included Chris MercerFind albums by this artist on tenor and baritone saxes, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist on tenor and soprano saxes and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on cornet and violin. The entire first side of the LP was dedicated to an extended blues suite (first of its kind ever), with strong jazz influences, hence this album is often quoted as one of the earliest examples of the Jazz-Rock genre. The quality of the songwriting and the performances on this album are truly astounding and to this day it remains as a classic icon of the era. However soon after the album was recorded Mayall decided to disband the Bluesbreakers and opt for an intimate quartet for his new project, retaining only the services of Mick Taylor. Three of the band members (Reeves, Hiseman and Heckstall-Smith) decided to form the legendary ColosseumFind albums by this artist, joining forces with keyboards player Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist and guitarist James LitherlandFind albums by this artist and the rest is history. So now you know that Colosseum was actually a Bluesbreakers offspring. As for the album, it’s an absolute must for every blues fan and for most lovers of the early Jazz-Rock and Prog genres. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BLUES FROM LAUREL CANYON (EXPANDED EDITION)
DECCA 840839 (Barcode: 602498408391) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007
9th album by John MayallFind albums by this artist, and his most personal and intimate statement to date. Following the decision to disband the Bare WiresFind albums with this title version of the BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist Mayall immediately formed a new quartet, retaining only Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist from the previous group and adding two exceptional young musicians: Steve ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Colin AllenFind albums by this artist on drums.
The material for the new album was written during Mayall’s vacation in California, where he stayed in the Laurel Canyon near LA, a favorite living area of many US musicians. During his stay Mayall met and socialized with fellow musicians, such as members of the blues band Canned HeatFind albums by this artist and Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and his Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, and even dedicated two of the songs on the album to them.
The entire album was designed as a one continuous flow of music, with one song smoothly leading into another without any breaks. The magic atmosphere is completely unique and the complex and subtle musical themes make it one of the most remarkable albums recorded in the 1960s. In many respects this album was an end of a phase in Mayall’s long musical road.
It was the last album on DeccaFind albums on this label (he would sign with PolydorFind albums on this label next), the last purely UK based album (he would play with many US musicians later on and eventually move to live in the US), the last of the pure blues albums (the next phase would be much more jazz influenced). In retrospect the John Mayall Decca recordings are one of the greatest documents of the 1960s UK music scene and an everlasting, timeless source of musical inspiration. Essential!
| | Updated: 24/10/2021Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ EUROPEAN UNION (LIVE IN THE UK & GERMANY)
LONDON CALLING 5067 (Barcode: 5053792506712) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1970 Released: 2020
This an archival album by the Godfather of British Blues vocalist / guitarist / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader John MayallFind albums by this artist presenting three early iconic lineups of his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and broadcasted on the radio / TV.
The first six tracks originate from 1966 and were performed by perhaps the most recognizable Bluesbreakers lineup featuring guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist and drummer Hughie FlintFind albums by this artist.
The next five tracks originate from 1969 and were performed by the Bluesbreakers featuring guitarist Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Colin AllenFind albums by this artist.
The last track originates from 1970 and was performed by the revolutionary drumless lineup (not called Bluesbreakers), which recorded the “The Turning PointFind albums with this title” album, and two guests, with guitarists Jon MarkFind albums by this artist and Duster BennettFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist and bassists Steve Thompson and Alex DmochowskiFind albums by this artist.
Although the sound quality of these recordings is problematic, especially the 1966 tracks, the quality of the music is excellent and Mayall’s bands at the time were the undeniable pinnacle of the British Blues Rock explosion. For Mayall’s completists, who don’t have this material in their collection, this is of course a must!
| | Updated: 24/10/2021Posted: 24/10/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ LIVE IN FRANCE 1967-73
REPERTOIRE 1459 (Barcode: 4009910145920) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion
Recorded: 1967 - 1973 Released: 2023
This is an archival album by the greatest British Blues Artists of all time, the iconic ninety years old Blues legend John MayallFind albums by this artist. The material originates from the French TV archives and presents twenty-two tracks captured during the five most productive years of Mayall’s early career, both on two CDs and a DVD. The list of participants reads like the Who’s Who of the Blues and Jazz-Blues Fusion history of the Golden Decade: guitarists Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, Jon MarkFind albums by this artist, Harvey MandelFind albums by this artist and Freddie RobinsonFind albums by this artist, bassists Steve ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Alex DmochowskiFind albums by this artist, Larry TaylorFind albums by this artist and Victor GaskinFind albums by this artist, drummers Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist, Colin AllenFind albums by this artist and Paul LagosFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist and Red HollowayFind albums by this artist, violinist Don Sugarcane HarrisFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Blue MitchellFind albums by this artist and others.
During those years Mayall’s groups changed constantly, and with the lineup changes also the stylistic direction changed accordingly, moving from classic Blues towards more open, Jazz influenced acoustic Blues and later Brass-Rock Blues. Mayall was constantly searching for new avenues to explore the Blues realm, gradually moving away from the classic traditional Blues songs towards original material.
This compendium of previously unavailable material is of course an incredible historic document of great value. Although the sonic quality is far from perfect at times, but combined with the video footage brings backs fond memories of a time period, when originality and uncompromised creativity was above all. Mayall’s magnificent contribution to music deserves this kind of documentation and Repertoire Records are certainly one of the best activists in that area.
Overall, this is a magnificent addition to Mayall’s recorded history and an absolute must for his many faithful followers. One can only hope for many such archival releases to follow suit. Thank you John for a lifetime of music!
| | Updated: 30/12/2023Posted: 30/12/2023 | 2CD+DVD 3 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ THE DIARY OF A BAND (EXPANDED EDITION)
DECCA 841804 (Barcode: 602498418048) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007
6th & 7th albums by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, which were actually a double album released on two separate LPs as The Diary Of A Band Vol.1 & Vol.2 (as DeccaFind albums on this label thought that releasing a double album was too bold a step at the time). The material was recorded live during a European tour, which followed the release of CrusadeFind albums with this title and was captured on a simple reel to reel tape machine, which Mayall placed on the stage during all the concerts. Over 60 hours of music were recorded, of which two hours were selected for the release. The Bluesbreakers’ lineup was similar to that which recorded Crusade except for the new brass section man, the fantastic Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist on tenor and soprano sax (later ColosseumFind albums by this artist) and the bass position, which was occupied by either Paul WilliamsFind albums by this artist or Keith TillmanFind albums by this artist. The enclosed music is a superb document of the era and one of the most authentic glimpses at the music scene of the late 1960s, as it includes some spoken word and commentary on the performances, caught right at the time when they happened. Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist plays some amazing guitar licks here, as does Dick Heckstall-Smith, especially when he blows both of his horns simultaneously. The entire album is one great trip down the nostalgia lane and the only pity is that all of it was never captured on video (which did not exist at the time unfortunately). I can’t imagine any blues fan not wanting this in his music library.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ WAKE UP CALL
MUSUC ON CD 13149 (Barcode: 8718627221495) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1992 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of an album by the Godfather of British Blues, vocalist / guitarist / keyboardist / harmonica player / bandleader John MayallFind albums by this artist. “Wake Up CallFind albums with this title” was the first of the three albums released in the 1990s by the American SilvertoneFind albums on this label label and it finds Mayall accompanied by guitarist Coco MontoyaFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick CortesFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe YueleFind albums by this artist. Several additional musicians, like saxophonist Joe SublettFind albums by this artist, organist Tom CanningFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Darrell LeonardFind albums by this artist and others play on most tracks, as well as special guests: guitarist / vocalist Buddy GuyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist and vocalist Mavis StaplesFind albums by this artist, who participate on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, four of which are Mayall’s originals and the rest are Blues standards. Mayall used the BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist moniker for the second time between 1982 and 2008 and this album was also released as such.
This is one of the strongest albums by Mayall in a while and includes some superb guitar soloing and overall excellent instrumental work by the entire crew. Time made absolutely no dent on this music whatsoever and it sounds every bit as fresh and inviting as it did at the time of its release.
One of the amazing qualities of Mayall is his remarkable consistency and level of artistry, which he managed to preserve throughout his career, in spite of his constant metamorphosis and migration into diverse stylistic niches. His recording legacy presents an impressive collection of over fifty albums, without not even one of them being an artistic compromise. Same goes for his songwriting, which against all odds, manages to ignore the limitations of the Blues idiom and create wonderful new material without being derivative.
Overall this is a most welcome initiative to bring this album back in circulation, as it was getting a bit tough to find on the market. For Blues / Blues-Rock fans this is of course as indispensable as any other Mayall album.
| | Updated: 29/08/2021Posted: 17/07/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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