John MAYALL’S BLUESBREAKERS – Live in 1967 Volume 2 (Out 6 May 2016 on Forty Below Records)
A leading figure in the 60s British Blues Boom, keyboard player John Mayall has played the blues for over 50 years, often fronting his own star filled band. Famously featuring ex Yardbird Eric Clapton in the mid 60s, the band went through innumerable so many line-up changes. John Mayall, and more importantly the Bluesbreakers, were a significant influence on the blues scene to come.
After a number of line-up changes that included at various times Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton, this 1967 recording documents a very short lived line-up that saw guitarist Peter Green, bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwod alongside Mayall, before the formation of Fleetwood Mac, making this an archive released of note and importance.
The set list back then was a rotation of covers (usually blues standards) and new / original songs, and while this set features three numbers present on the previous volume, you can see how organic the arrangements were.
The seven minute ‘Tears In My Eyes’, a Mayall penned number, opens the set and is a real showcase for some blistering blues from Peter Green. The guitar solo work is as sublime as you’d expect. The rhythm section is solid, with every crash bang wallop, you can see why they went on together.
‘Your Funeral My Trial’ is an uptempo number with Mayall blasting out some rockin’ harmonica.
‘So Many Roads’ is a slower track with a steady blues rhythm and some solid guitar on top; sadly the vocals come over a little muddy to make out. Bye Bye Bird picks up the pace again and features some good harmonica, keyboard and guitar interplay.
An essential listen is the 8 minute take of ‘Stormy Monday’, featuring former Serviceman Ronnie Jones on guest vocals; a name fans of the early Blues Incorporated will recognise. And there’s no better place to showcase Green’s guitar than the Green penned Greeny; the keyboards and guitars mix wonderfully.
Some great blues here. The slower to mid paced ones are where Green lets rip over the rhythm section, the faster tracks he riffs and solos in accordance.
Well presented, and an important part of rock and blues history. Outside of the less than perfect recording quality, it’s a touch of class. 8/10
Joe Gessin