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Acclaimed as the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall has been credited as one of the main catalysts who brought blues music to the attention of pop audiences worldwide. Mayall has seen some of rock's leading exponents go through the ranks of what is often referred to as his 'finishing school' the legendary Bluesbreakers — Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and Mick Taylor, are just some of the pupils to pass through.
In the summer of 2003, Mayall celebrated his seventieth birthday by doing what he loves best, playing the blues. This film captures that concert held at Liverpool's King's Dock.
Mayall and the current Bluesbreakers are joined over the course of the concert by some 'friends'– first Mick Taylor, followed by Eric Clapton, Chris Barber and his trombone as well as trumpeter Henry Lowther who put together a horn section for the occasion.
This is no tired out bunch of guys going through the motions, quite the contrary, as you watch and listen to the music move along you'll know that this was one of those special concerts where all is inspired.
I particularly enjoyed the classics: "Oh Pretty Woman" with back to back guitar solos, first Buddy Whittington's sharp and edgy, followed by the wail and cry of Mick taylor's guitar; "All Your Love" with very fine singing by Mayall and the slow and hurtin' "Have You Heard".
Beautifully filmed in gorgeous colour, this DVD is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
Highly recommended.
The DVD also contains a short interview with Mayall where you can hear him reminisce about the early days of the Bluesbreakers.
The CD contains 7 of the tunes found in the DVD plus "California" not found there.
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