Jazz Articles about John Mayall

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers: 70th Birthday Concert

by Doug Collette
May 9, 2004

John Mayall’s concerts of recent years can seem somewhat ritualized and to some extent this double CD of a show in Liverpool, England celebrating his 70th (!) is no exception. But the venerable British bluesman, excited himself about the occasion, demonstrates his long-standing ability to meld musicians into cohesive units and thereby coax consummate musicianship from the individuals within the group.

This is pure wizardry—and perhaps there’s no better word for it considering Mayall's longevity as well as the personnel ...

John Mayall: The Turning Point

by Mike Neely
March 1, 2003

John Mayall's position in the British Blues world of the 1960's was akin to Art Blakey's position in the North American jazz scene. Both were gifted discoverers and developers of talent in addition to being notable musicians. At various times, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, John McVie, and Jack Bruce were members of Mayall's ever changing band. In 1968, about the time when the talented blues guitarist Mick Taylor left to play for the Rolling Stones, Mayall radically reconceived his usual ...

John Mayall: The Masters

by Ed Kopp
March 1, 2000

After guitarist Mick Taylor bolted John Mayall's Bluesbreakers for the Rolling Stones in 1969, Mayall opted for a stripped-down, “unplugged" sound. The independent-minded Brit centered his new band around acoustic guitars, and hired saxman/flutist John Almond and mellow guitarist Jon Mark. In a move viewed as revolutionary at the time, Mayall also eschewed a drummer. The result was the classic album Turning Point, a gentle but jazzy blues album recorded live at the Fillmore East. The record was embraced by ...