Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Blues/Bluesrock | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 161 / 6-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 7.5/10 | Label: Forty Below | Autor: AT
John Mayall albums are always eagerly awaited, even if the last ones were a bit boring. They simply lacked the cool Mayall touch with which one of the most important protagonists of British Blues recorded masterpieces like "Bare Wires", "Blues From Laurel Canyon" or the high-flyer "Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton". Supported by Rocky Athas (g), Greg Rzab (b, perc), Jay Davenport (dr) and C. J. Chenier (voc, akk) he delivers much more fire and creativity this time. With the "Why Did You Go Last Night", slightly reminiscent of the New Orleans blues, the musicians get in casually. He follows a differentiated blues rocker ("Speak Of The Devil"), which reminds of the mid-seventies releases. Sixties blues sound in shuffle ("That's All Right"), simple but effective blues ("Big Town Playboy") and sluggish blues rock ("Like A Fool") stand for Mayall's newly won desire to explore all facets of the genre again. "A Special Life" brings the life of the living legend to a common denominator and shows that individuality is still one of the most important quality characteristics of music.
Top track: That's All Right
