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John Mayall Live In New York City - by J. Blake

Posted on 2/16/2010 by J. Blake

(New York, NY)

On Tuesday, February 09, 2010, New York City blues fans were treated to a night of music performed by arguably the most influential figure of the 1960s British Blues Boom. John Mayall took the stage twice that night at B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill and dished out some old classics as well as new gems from his current album, TOUGH (on Eagle Records).

Though Mayall and his band played to a packed room at 7pm, it was the 10pm set that brought down the house. The 2nd set’s sparse turnout made for a more laid back and fun collection of live blues. The group, including its 76 year-old legendary leader, genuinely seemed to be having a good time as they breathed new life into material that was originally recorded by Mayall over 40 years ago.

Mayall’s most famous LP, 1966’s BLUES BREAKERS WITH ERIC CLAPTON, was well represented with three of the set’s nine songs; “Hide Away”, “Parchman Farm” and “All Your Love”. The band also ran through versions of “The Bear”, from 1968’s BLUES FROM LAURAL CANYON and (as the encore) “Room to Move” from 1969’s THE TURNING POINT.

Despite Mayall’s prime years being so strongly represented, the standout performance of the night was actually (and surprisingly) from his latest album. “Nothing to Do with Love” is the opening track from TOUGH and rolls along with a heavy groove and a modern feel. As a live performance, the band lays that groove on thick and it actually acts as a refreshing change of pace from the rest of the evening’s standard Chicago blues fair. Guitarist Rocky Athas, whose style is much heavier and more rock-oriented than previous Mayall axemen, really shined on this song; playing with passion and without the constraint of the conventional blues scales.

It is worth noting that Mayall retired the “Bluesbreakers” in 2008 and it may not be a coincidence that as the “Godfather of British Blues” takes the stage these days with his “New Band”, he sounds better than he has in years. Whether you’ve seen John Mayall perform live or not, you don’t want to miss him on this tour. Do yourself a favor and check him out when he roles into your neck of the woods.


*If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy: Strange Brew (Book Review)

Thanks and keep reading American Blues News!!!

Copyright © 2010 - J. Blake. All Rights Reserved
*Photos: Copyright © 2010 - Nelson G. Onofre. All Rights Reserved.

American Blues News Staff

What makes American Blues News unique is our coverage across America. Here is our lineup:

Mon: Memphis Correspondent - Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms
Nighthawk is our resident globetrotter and man behind the scenes, as he tours with the Reba Russell Band.

Tues: New York Correspondent - J. Blake
Blake is the American Blues News review and interview guru. You may catch him out and about in NY playing the blues.

Wed: National Correspondent - Monica Yasher
Monica is our executive director and artist interview specialist. You can catch Monica singing the blues around Pittsburgh or working on some country music songs in Nashville.

Thurs: Washington, DC Correspondent - Virginiabluesman
Geraldo offers inteviews and reviews. You may have seen him at an Ana Popovic concert or conversed with him on her websites, as he offers administrative support with her music.

Fri: Northeast Photographer - Nelson Onofre
Nelson offers a Friday column of blues photography and pictorial support for the interviews covered by the team.

Jim Stick in Colorado
Jim will be focusing on the Blues Festivals in the beautiful state of Colorado, and the artists that live and visit there.

Maureen Elizabeth, our resident art correspondent, will be focusing on blues art as she explores the creation of CD covers, or speaking with artists who also have a love of creating pictorial art in addition to their music! She may also feature some of her good friends in the Pittsburgh area. In her love of art, you may find Maureen's photography accompanying writer's articles on our pages. Maureen is also our marketing director.

Pittsburgh correspondent and photographer, CR Bennett, will share the Pittsburgh scene with all of you. You may also see CR's pictures accompanying other writer's articles.

We head to the big state of Texas! Abby Owen, our Texas correspondent.

Another big area to cover, the West Coast with Casey Reagan, Casey will feature many artists and events on this ocean's shores.

Lastly, we have our roving blues entertainment writer,
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