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Author: John Mayall
Brand: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Format: Color
Package Dimensions: 15x190x91
Release Date: 09-12-2003
Details: Amazon.com
Not all that many blues musicians (or any other kind, for that matter) live to 70, so British bandleader John Mayall had good reason to celebrate when he reached that milestone in 2003–and celebrate he did, with the admirable, 137-minute John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers: 70th Birthday Concert to show for it. Mayall, a capable if not exactly stellar singer and multi-instrumentalist, is best known for the many fine players who passed through his band over the years, and Eric Clapton, the most renowned of the lot, is on hand here, as is former Mayall/Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor. Clapton sings several tunes in addition to playing his trademark stinging solos on “Hideaway” and “All Your Love” (two of the tunes most responsible for the “Clapton is God” graffiti seen around London in the ’60s), while Taylor is mostly impressive as well. But arguably the best guitarist on the Liverpool stage this night is current Bluesbreaker Buddy Whittington, who more than holds his own in the company of his more esteemed predecessors (check out Whittington’s superb solos, informed by both Buddy Guy and jazz, on “Blues for the Lost Days” and the 17-minute “Have You Heard”). Indeed, this may well be Mayall’s best and most versatile band ever–no mean feat for a guy now in his fifth decade on the scene. A Mayall interview is the disc’s sole bonus feature. –Sam Graham
Product Description
John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday – July 18 2003 in Liverpool, England. In celebration of John Mayall’s 70th birthday and for the benefit of UNICEF’s fight against child exploitation, the BLuesbreakers kick off the show. Then Mayall appears. Also features Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor. – John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers & Friends: 70th Birthday Concert
UPC: 801213902293
