Record Reviews

JOHN MAYALL ~ THE SUN IS SHINING DOWN FORTY BELOW 026 (Barcode: 762183630725) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2019 Released: 2022 Aged 86 at the time this album was recorded, British Blues hero John MayallFind albums by this artist shows no signs of slowing down and this, his last studio album (as of the time of writing) is still better than anything currently recorded by musicians half or less his age. Recorded in a basic trio format it features Mayall on vocals, keyboards and harmonica with bassist Greg RzabFind albums by this artist and drummer Jay DavenportFind albums by this artist, supported by guitarist Carolyn WonderlandFind albums by this artist, who plays rhythm guitar on most tracks and lead guitar on one track and a brass section on some of the tracks. The concept of this album, same as on its predecessor, is to guest a different guest artist on most of the tracks: Melvin TaylorFind albums by this artist, Marcus KingFind albums by this artist, Buddy MillerFind albums by this artist, Scarlet RiveraFind albums by this artist, Mike CampbellFind albums by this artist and Jake ShimabukuroFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, six of which are Mayall originals and four are Blues standards. The idea of having a different guest artist on each track is of course brilliant, but not lacking a risk, since different players might have proven to be incompatible. But not with Mayall’s vision – everything works like Swiss clockwork and the different artists add diversity, interest and spice to the proceedings. The music is as fresh as if the Blues idiom was just invented and the playing incredibly tight, as usual with Mayall’s albums, due to his particular attention to details. Mayall is able to prove again that despite the intrinsic limitations of the Blues idiom, it is possible to reinvent it over and over again, as he has done for over six decades of continuous music making. Overall, this is a brilliant Blues album and a guitar heaven for the many guitar fans out there – a winner in every respect. I can only pray to see Mayall go on with his work and expend his incredible recorded legacy further, as long as his strength will allow him to do so. You are a blessing, John!

Updated: 04/03/2022Posted: 04/03/2022

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