artist info

For over 50 years, John Mayall has served as a pioneer of blues music, rightly earning him the title, "The Godfather of British Blues." In 2013, John signed with producer Eric Corne's label, Forty Below Records, and has since been experiencing a true artistic and career renaissance. Most recently, he's been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (5/2016) and is the recipient of the Independent Blues Award: Best Traditional Blues Band (7/2016).

This revival continues with the release of a brilliant new studio album titled Find a Way to Care, produced by John and Eric at famed House of Blues Studios in Encino, California. About the new album, Corne says, "I really wanted to feature John's keyboard playing on this record. He's truly one of the most lyrical, economical and underrated keyboardists around. We also wanted to change things up a bit after the success of A Special Life and the addition of a horn section on several tracks was a really fun way to do that. As good as the last album was, I think this one is even better."

On the new album, John adds harmonica on two songs, as well as a classic guitar track reminiscent of Hubert Sumlin or Muddy Waters on the latter's legendary "Long Distance Call." The release of Find a Way to Care comes on the heels of Mayall's internationally-acclaimed, A Special Life released in 2014. "I'd easily put this one among Mayall's best efforts - and that includes 'Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton,' 'A Hard Road' and 'Blues from Laurel Canyon!'" - about.com

John Mayall grew up listening to his guitarist father’s extensive jazz record collection and felt drawn to the blues. Strongly influenced by such greats as Leadbelly, Albert Ammons, Pinetop Smith, and Eddie Lang, from the age of 13 he taught himself to play developing his own style with the aid of a neighbor’s piano, borrowed guitars, and secondhand harmonicas. He landed in London in the 60s and met found his musical soul mate in Eric Clapton, who had quit the Yardbirds in favor of playing the blues. This historic union culminated in the first hit album for the Bluesbreakers and resulted in worldwide legendary status. A succession of great musicians defined their artistic roots under John’s leadership. As Clapton has stated, “John Mayall has actually run an incredibly great school for musicians.”

UPDATE:

Blues Hall of Fame Member John Mayall Announces New Trio Band Format for Upcoming Fall Tour

LOS ANGELES – With a new studio album titled Talk About That in the can for release in early 2017 on Forty Below Records (which includes special guest Joe Walsh on two tracks); and a lengthy US tour through late fall, British blues “Godfather” John Mayall announced today that effective with the upcoming tour dates, his band will perform as a trio. Mayall officially released the following statement today.

TO MY FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS

As many of you will have heard the dramatic news that I will now be performing live shows as a trio, I feel I should explain how it all came about in a chain of events that led to my decision. Due to severe storm conditions recently, guitarist Rocky Athas was unable to get out of Dallas for my recent festival shows that led to my performing as a trio. Having never performed anywhere or at any time without a guitar sidekick, I found that I was able to explore new territories in a trio configuration playing organ, keyboards, harmonica and guitar. Needless to say I was surprised at how different and stimulating the experience was for me as a performer.

Several days after the show I made the decision to explore this new venture. When I told Rocky of my decision, he was very understanding and hopefully his popularity in my band for the past seven years will be increased as he resumes his solo career. To me it seems fitting that the final guitar position in my band featured one of the nicest and most talented guys I’ve known and the best in his field. We all wish him well.

So now, as Greg Rzab, Jay Davenport and I embark on several weeks of intensive touring all around the States, we hope you all will enjoy the fireworks coming your way as my live show calendar brings us to your expectant ears.

Thank you everyone.



John Mayall