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JOHN MAYALL ~ A HARD ROAD (EXPANDED EDITION) DECCA 9842225 (Barcode: 602498422250) ~ UK ~ Blues Recorded: 1966- 1967Released: 2006 3rd album by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist and one of the all time greatest blues albums ever recorded. Any band leader facing the crisis of his leading instrumentalist leaving the band (when Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist left The Bluesbreakers after just one album to join Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist to create CreamFind albums by this artist) would surely despair, but Mayall immediately found not only a replacement for Clapton but also a player of matching virtuosity and sublime feeling for the blues. The young Jewish boy named Peter Greenbaum, or Peter GreenFind albums by this artist as all of you may know him, was just the person and his performance on this album started an illustrious career of one of the blues greatest stars. Of course the other two musicians playing on this album (John McVieFind albums by this artist – bass and Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist – drums) were also heading for great musical ventures in the future. Unfortunately the Mayall / Green association was also destined to last for one solitary album (same as the Mayall / Clapton liaison), when Green left to form Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, soon to be replaced by another guitar hero Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist. The material includes mostly Mayall’s compositions, with Green contributing two of his tunes and a few blues standards. The level of performance is phenomenal and the 60s sound and production create a magic atmosphere making this an everlasting gem. A special note to collectors: The numerous bonus tracks on this album include the legendary EP recorded by Mayall and US blues giant Paul ButterfieldFind albums by this artist, which ranks amongst the rarest and most expensive collectors’ items on the vinyl market.
