Pioneer British blues singer, keyboard and guitar player, died on 22 July in California, age 90.
John Mayall was a die-hard blues aficionado who recruited musicians whose profiles became very high after playing in his band, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. The most recognized is Eric Clapton (on the "Beano" album), but others benefited from his mentorship, such as Mick Taylor, who later joined the Rolling Stones. Others included Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie, who formed Fleetwood Mac (sometimes informally known as "Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac"), Keef Hartley, Aynsley Dunbar, and many other musicians.
His influence on British blues was widespread. R.I.P. to a trailblazer.
(I didn't see another thread on JM's passing. If one does exist, my apologies.)
I listened to some of his stuff 'way back, but I'm a l-o-n-g way from being particularly knowledgeable. R.I.P.
I remember back when the English blokes were hot on learning American blues ,, Howling Wolf was over there and he remarked, “Yeah, these fellas badly want to learn to play the blues,,, and they DO play it badly!”
RIP John Mayall
(corollary : I sometimes tell people that the banjo is easy to play badly )
Edited by - chuckv97 on 07/31/2024 13:22:41
Laurel Canyon and USA Union are “must haves” for any serious blues fan. Mr. Mayall was instrumental in the movement of transferring the blues from the U.S. to the Britains…and beyond, around the world.
quote:
Originally posted by Texican65Laurel Canyon and USA Union are “must haves” for any serious blues fan. Mr. Mayall was instrumental in the movement of transferring the blues from the U.S. to the Britains…and beyond, around the world.
I saw him at the time Blues from Laurel Canyon came out, with Mick Taylor on guitar - the Les Paul he told us he bought from Keith Richard (this was when Keith removed the s from his last name). Mayall was (rightfully) p.o.-ed at the organizers for their poor lighting (see photo). But the band smoked. (Also on the bill were Jesse Winchester and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee). Mayall was an original. I recall, on a live album, when guys in the audience called out for some song or other, he retorted, "What, did you come here to listen to an old record?"
Man what a line up…I wish I could have seen any of them…especially Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee. Jealous! :) I love the blues…as it’s directly or indirectly influenced so many artists and different genres of music.
Jerry Reed…my main interest all these years, has little hints of blues in a lot of his material.
And I’m very impressed that John Mayall made it to 90! Sometimes being a famous musician can be rough on a guy…but he beat the odds.
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