Almost every noted guitarist in the 60s blues explosion – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Mick Taylor – passed through Mayall's Bluesbreakers finishing school.
Not for nothing is John Mayall known as the father of British blues.
Almost every noted guitarist in the 60s blues explosion – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Mick Taylor – passed through Mayall's Bluesbreakers finishing school. Now aged 68, his line-up remains a showcase of blues talent.
And opening for Mayall at the UEA LCR was another former protégé, Peter Green. The ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist has said the music of Delta Blues legend Robert Johnson has been an aid in his recovery from LSD-related mental health problems, and a version of Stop Breaking Down was a highlight.
A brace of Elmore James tracks were memorable, while Green's haunting slide tones enlivened the Howling Wolf standard Little Red Rooster.
Current Bluesbreakers guitarist Buddy Whittington was more powerful vocally, while Mayall's voice still packs a punch. His keyboard, harmonica and guitar skills are impressive.
The set rested heavily on new album Stories, and if they lacked familiarity the virtuoso performance more than compensated.
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