John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers – Live in 1967 Volume 3
8 songs – 41 minutes
In the annals of blues and rock history, the year 1967 stands as a monumental chapter, and at its heart was London, the epicenter of a cultural explosion. John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, featuring the likes of Peter Green, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood (soon to form Fleetwood Mac), were integral players in this sonic revolution. "Live in 1967 Volume 3," the final release from Mayall's vault of recordings made in that pivotal year, is a captivating time capsule, capturing a moment just before these legends embarked on their own musical odysseys.
The recordings, initially captured on a one-channel reel-to-reel tape recorder by dedicated fan Tom Huissen, were recently uncovered by Mayall nearly 50 years later. Thanks to Mayall's collaboration with Eric Corne of Forty Below Records, these vintage recordings have been painstakingly restored, giving listeners a priceless glimpse into the blues and rock fusion that defined an era.
"Live in 1967 Volume 3" spans eight tracks, sourced from four different gigs in and around London. It's a testament to the creative fervor of Mayall and his Bluesbreakers, who managed to release three studio albums in the same year – an extraordinary accomplishment by any measure.
The album features Mayall's own compositions such as "Tears In My Eyes" and "Brand New Start," giving a preview of what would appear on subsequent albums like "Crusade" and "The Blues Alone." Classic blues covers, including Otis Rush's "Double Trouble," J.B. Lenoir's "Talk To Your Daughter," and Sonny Boy Williamson's "Your Funeral And My Trial," showcase the band's homage to the blues roots.
While some recordings exhibit a bit of the roughness expected from the era, the overall quality far surpasses expectations. Notably, the low-fidelity recording of the upbeat shuffle "Stand Back Baby" doesn't dampen the infectious energy of Peter Green's guitar work, which remains a standout.
One of the highlights of the album is "The Stumble," a nearly five-minute showcase of Peter Green's guitar virtuosity. At 21 years old, Green unleashes a torrent of ear-melting solos, demonstrating a style that had yet to be streamlined into the minimalist brilliance that defined Fleetwood Mac.
"Live in 1967 Volume 3" is not just a historical artifact; it's a testament to Mayall's leadership style, allowing his musicians to shine. Peter Green's magic is woven into every track, from the slow blues of "Double Trouble" to the instrumental shuffle "Greeny," where Mayall's organ complements Green's guitar wizardry.
This release follows Mayall's retirement announcement in late 2021, yet it affirms that the blues maestro is not done enchanting us. "Live in 1967 Volume 3" is not just a musical journey; it's a magical experience that transports us to a time when blues and rock were forging a path into the future. Mayall, much like the music he helped shape, remains timeless, and this album is a celebration of his enduring legacy.
Comments