John Mayall
Blues From Laurel Canyon

John Mayall - Blues From Laurel Canyon (Decca 1968)

Genre: Rock Blues

This eighth LP by John Mayall is one of the blues records I absolutely love the most. But are we sure that the music emerging from these grooves can be defined as blues? The tracks that alternate without any interruption, while having an underlying structure that can be traced back to the twelve-bar format, embrace various styles and influences.

"Vacation" and "First Time Alone" have a hint of psychedelia, exotic percussion characterizes "Medicine Man," and it goes as far as to brush against Jazz-swing in "Miss James." Equally unusual is the beautiful final track, "Fly Tomorrow," which transitions from an oriental, calm, and relaxed atmosphere to a pressing rhythm of bass and drums upon which the young Mick Taylor weaves an extensive and splendid guitar solo (not coincidentally, he would be called, not long after, to join the ranks of the Rolling Stones).

Mayall, as usual, enchants us with his unique and distinctive voice, but also with his harmonica and various keyboards. Besides the aforementioned Taylor on guitar, he is accompanied by a group stripped down to the essentials: Stephen Thompson on bass and Colin Allen on drums. In "First Time Alone," the guitar that at times embellishes the track is that of Peter Green, a very welcome guest on the album.

I share the opinion of some critics: the importance that Miles Davis had in the realm of jazz, John Mayall had in blues, particularly for the English scene. Just like Miles, John went beyond the traditional forms of his genre, seeking new paths. Both, at the same time, were outstanding talent scouts, and the musicians involved have learned a great deal from their teachings.

Search for BLUES FROM LAUREL CANYON and then, perhaps, move on to the subsequent THE TURNING POINT. Or go back to his seminal British blues albums like THE BLUESBREAKERS WITH ERIC CLAPTON ('66) and A HARD ROAD and CRUSADE (both '67). John Mayall deserves it, and so do you.