with Tom Walbank Often referred to as "The Godfather of British
Blues," John Mayall has an impressive musical career that spans over
50 years. The English blues singer, pianist, harmonica player,
guitarist, and songwriter founded the band, John Mayall & the
Bluesbreakers in the 1960s -- a band whose members included many
celebrated blues and blues rock guitarists, such as: Eric Clapton,
Peter Green, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya and
Buddy Whittington.Attracted by the West Coast climate and culture,
Mayall then made his permanent move from England to Los Angeles in
1969 and began forming bands with American musicians. Throughout the
next three decades, Mayall became further revered for his many
jazz/rock/blues innovations featuring such notable performers as Blue
Mitchell, Red Holloway, Larry Taylor, and Harvey Mandel. Mayall's
popularity continued with a succession of dynamic albums including the
Grammy-nominated Wake Up Call that featured guest artists Buddy Guy,
Mavis Staples, Albert Collins and Mick Taylor.In 2008 Mayall made the
decision to permanently retire the Bluesbreakers name and in 2009
started a new era of touring with band members Rocky Athas on guitar,
Jay Davenport on drums and Greg Rzab on bass. They toured together for
over seven years, averaging about 100 shows a year, and are featured
players on John's last four studio albums. John has also recently
released a couple of never before heard live albums from 1967
featuring Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, which along with
the new studio albums have been enthusiastically received by critics
and fans alike.In August 2016 there was another big shift when
thunderstorms prevented Rocky Athas from attending a festival,
compelling John, Greg and Jay to perform as a trio. The sound they
came up with lent an amazing new slant to John's music and he made the
bold decision to move to the trio format. They have toured the USA,
India and Europe in this format, and have had enthusiastic responses
from audiences everywhere. A sample of the fireworks they create
onstage was released in February 2018 entitled Three For the Road.
Recorded in Germany in 2016, this live CD has been very well received
garnering excellent reviews!Always one step ahead, John has now hired
a new member to be added to all live shows. Her well-known name is
Carolyn Wonderland and she will be the first ever woman to hold the
position of lead guitarist in any of John's bands. She is also one of
the featured guitar players on John's latest studio album, Nobody Told
Me released February 2019, that also features Todd Rundgren, Joe
Bonamassa, Steven Van Zandt, Alex Lifeson and Larry McCray on selected
cuts. The road continues!
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02/02/2020 Last update