John Mayall holds to my theory on all jazz and blues artists. As opposed to rockers who age terribly, guys like Mayall keep getting better and better each year. The aging process adds to their veritas,and because the music is so life affirming, the mix of youthful sounds and wisdom of the ages makes for wonderful adventures of music. I just caught him in concert with this band of his that’s been with him for some time, and it was 90 minutes of blueswailing joy. So is this latest album!
Mayall claims that this latest band of Rocy Athas/g, Greg Rzab/b and Jay Davenport/dr is his best ever, which is quite a statement since he has been the employer of Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor. Nevertheless, the band is blowing blue smoke like a Roadster as the band delivers the Chicago sound with flavor on “Mother In Law Blues” and the late night and lazy read of Charles Brown’s “Drifting Blues.” His work on the harp is still a wonder of nature and he hits it hard on “Ropes and Chains” while his debt to BB King is paid on the picking and grinning “Long Distance Call.” Some horns are added to give a Memphis Stew feel on “Find A Way To Care” and the funky “The River’s Invitation” and his Professor Longhair chops are on display as he takes you to the Crescent City on “Crazy Lady.” He still is capable of delivering a political message, with “War We Rage” being the latest, showing he’s still got his fingers on the political pulse. As with most true artists as they progress, Mayall started out playing the blues, then he mastered the blues, and at 82, he IS the blues.
Forty Below Records