Music review: John Mayall – 鈥楢 Special Life鈥�
Looking back at the extensive recording career of John Mayall, it鈥檚 clear the British blues-rock icon has truly lived a special life. The veteran artist and bandleader continues his prolific and influential journey with a deeply rich collection of songs blending traces of blues, rock and Americana.
At its core, 鈥淎 Special Life鈥� serves as a vibrant example of Mayall鈥檚 genius and vision. Initially honing his musical skills while backing blues greats like John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker and Sonny Boy Williamson during their first English club tours, the multi-talented artist first made his indelible mark on the music industry with the release of his 1966 album with Eric Clapton.
Considered by many critics as the best album by John Mayall鈥檚 Bluesbreakers, I fondly remember the undeniable sound of songs like 鈥淎ll Your Love,鈥� 鈥淗ideaway鈥� and 鈥淪teppin鈥� Out,鈥� fueled by a young Clapton鈥檚 spirited guitar riffs.
Always possessing a keen ear for rising talent, Mayall鈥檚 band has featured accomplished musicians such as Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor, Jack Bruce, Andy Fraser and Aynsley Dunbar. On his first studio album in five years, Mayall鈥檚 current lineup boasts guitarist Rocky Athas, bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport.
Additionally, singer and accordion player C.J. Chenier makes a guest appearance on several of the well-executed numbers.
The new album features four new arrangements and a collection of noteworthy covers.
The opening track, 鈥淲hy Did You Go Last Night,鈥� offers up an infectious slice of zydeco and blues with Chenier鈥檚 lively accordion playing.
Other covers include Jimmy Rogers鈥� 鈥淭hat鈥檚 All Right,鈥� Albert King鈥檚 鈥淔loodin鈥� in California,鈥� Sonny Landreth鈥檚 鈥淪peak of the Devil,鈥� Jimmy McCracklin鈥檚 鈥淚 Just Got to Know鈥� and Eddie Taylor鈥檚 鈥淏ig Town Playboy.鈥�
鈥淎 Special Life鈥� is a gratifying listen as it punctuates the 80-year old artist鈥檚 achievements in impressive style.