John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Road Dogs
Eagle ER 20069-2
John Mayall
has been living on his past merits for years. Although he has resided in the States for
half his life, he will always be acknowledged as the Godfather of British Blues. Mayall is
known best as a blues-rock pioneer, who turned on new generations to the blues. It is
quite something that he is still going strong after all these years. This adds to a legacy
which will be more remembered than the majority of his recordings. Like so many of his
idols, Mayall proves he too can be a force while in his senior years. On his 55th album,
Mayall performs snazzy piano, melodic harmonica and earthy guitar on 15 songs. He authored
13 of them. His dauntless, all American Bluesbreakers include Joe Yuele (drums), Buddy
Whittington (guitar) and Hank Van Sickle (bass). Throughout, Tom Canning assists on organ.
His songs'
lyrics have value, but Mayall's unsubstantial vocals, lack depth. The songs are about
paying tribute to blues greats, searching for answers, and depicting a grim but accurate
view of our world. The glitzy high life of rock stars is denounced on the title track.
Here, the more favored modest bluesman life is described. The song's heavy rhythm collides
with Whittington's sparkling slide. "Short Wave Radio" answers the oft asked
questions regarding Mayall's start in the blues. The melancholic and thought-provoking
"To Heal The Pain" gets philosophical. Here, Dale Morris Jr contributes poignant
violin. "Burned Bridges" has a rudimentary beat and strong scruples. A
fabricated flute (courtesy of Mayall) resides at the island paradise known as "Kona
Village". Natural disasters abound on "Beyond Control" which features a
synthesized brass section and Whittington's rhythmic power chorded rock guitar. He takes
over the vocals on "Awestruck & Spellbound". Like so many previous Mayall
guitarists, the song proves Whittington may be ready to fly solo - at an altitude above
the mediocre masses. "Chaos In The Neighborhood" identifies a serious problem in
our society. Proving that not all kids are rotten, Mayall assigns the song's lead guitar
duties to 14 year old sensation, Eric Steckel.
When your
embryonic stage involves Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor (just to name a few)
further development can be a challenge. While Mayall's consistent brand of brisk rock and
reverent blues may not appease blues diehards and purists, it has enough kick and
potential to maintain his loyal audience.
- Tim Holek-
Southwest Blues CD Review - September 2005
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