A Special Life

Over fifty one years in the business, and John Mayall somehow manages to keep it fresh. His goal was to "make a normal blues album", but with "A Special Life", Mayall has cut the best record of the current band's line-up to date, and his strongest effort since 2007's "In The Palace Of The King".The opening track, Clifton Chenier's "Why Did You Go Last Night" will grab you right away. C.J. Chenier's accordion kicks the tune off, something I can't recall a John Mayall song ever featuring before. In a recent Billboard interview, Mayall recalls that he was always fond of the song, and his Bluesbreakers used to perform it when Jack Bruce was in the band. "It's far less Zydeco than Blues. I thought it was a perfect time to approach C.J.; his father wrote and sang the song originally, and he was available, so I just contacted him. I hadn't met him before, but he flew in for the day and we nailed it. It was a really great experience"."Speak Of The Devil" was written by slide wizard Sonny Landreth, who also wrote "Congo Square" which Mayall recorded years ago. Dealing with a jealous S.O.B. who abuses his woman, Mayall is her shield ("Get behind me, angel. All hell's gonna break loose"). Texas guitarist Rocky Athas is featured here, and on the Jimmy Rogers standard "That's All Right". Mayall hasn't lost a step on harmonica over the years; in fact, "That's All Right" features some of his strongest harp EVER.On the original "World Gone Crazy", Mayall tackles today's social ills (especially those dealing with organized religion), but his whole approach is different with this release. On older tracks like "Nature's Disappearing" (1970's "USA Union") or "Prisons On The Road" (1971's "Back To The Roots"), he tended to be preachy, here he sounds like a jaded observer. The title track is one of the best Mayall compositions I've heard in years. He obviously enjoys what he does and where he is, but he is aware of the losses he had to endure to get there. Mayall plays tasteful lead guitar on this track and on his old friend Albert King's "Floodin' In California"."Like A Fool" is an original composition by Athas and bassist Greg Rzab. Throughout the disc, Rzab and Chicago veteran drummer Jay Davenport show why they're considered one of the best rhythm sections performing today. On Mayall's "Heartache", Rzab adds percussion to Davenport's excellent work on the skins, while Mayall's electric piano swirls around them.John Mayall has indeed lead a special life, and this special recording is proof. The current line-up has been together for more than five years, and everyone is at the top of their game. At a very spry eighty years of age, Mayall has plenty of music to record in the years to come.

It took me a while to really get into this album. After a while, I realised it's because of the organisation of tracks. Most albums seem to intersperse the more memorable tracks with lesser tracks through the albums. This album seems to proceed almost sedately from least memorable to outstanding. Certainly the very last track is the strongest IMHO.John Mayall is never less than ultimately professional, and that's certainly true in this case. He's assembled an excellently tight group.His voice has improved with age, losing some of its customary whine (to steal one of his early lyrics). the blues tracks are always well constructed and professionally played. However, I found the album needs to get almost halfway through before there starts to be a real spark. Once found, however, it builds to a wonderful final track replete with some of the best grumbling piano I've heard from Mayall in decades.Mayall's longevity is amazing. His ability to still turn out excellent blues seems undiminished.

This is for John Mayall fans, a gem. A little more mellow in spots but clearly one of his best efforts in my opinion.

Much like the reviews, this is an instant classic for Mayall. Wonderful songlist and great performances. Beginning British Blues has matured nicely

When I'm 80 years old as John Mayall is, I'll be happy if I can still fog a mirror. Mayall is still kicking it up to a higher level with wisdom, soul and life experience. Listen often, there is a lot of great music and information buried in here from a man who has lived life and understands it. No 25 year old could ever make an album like this, no matter how talented they may be.

While blues men never die, I was still ecstatic to receive such a great effort from this British blues legend at 80 years of age. This is good stuff. John hasn't mailed it in and even provides us some heavier blues-rock guitar on several tunes. This guy was doing this when it was all goin' down in the 60's. I can only imagine some of the stories this man could tell! The title says it all.......

From the first notes he brings the same big smile every time. Even though the tempo is up one just knows they're laying back on it having the time of their lives. The harmonica is still capturing, the band members top notch and I have yet to be disappointed in anything he's done.

what else would you expect from john mayall and company!A fan 40 years plus.Just a wonderful release.John does the blues like no one else!