John Mayall Live In New York City - 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 Bar & 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)

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