**ICON MAGAZINE REVIEW OF A SPECIAL LIFE by JOHN MAYALL** It’s no stretch to call John Mayall the godfather of the British blues scene. Over the last half century, Mayall’s band has helped to launch the career of such musicians as Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor and Mick Fleetwood. At 80, Mayall is showing no signs of slowing down with A Special Life, his first studio album in four years. Mayall’s musical foundation remains rooted in the blues but he continues to branch out. “Why Did You Go Last Night,” the album opener, adds a zesty Zydeco flavor to the mix, thanks to the accordion work and vocals of C.J. Chenier. Mayall continues to have a good ear for contemporary blues material to spotlight his backing band. Lead guitarist Rocky Athas takes center stage on a smoking rendition of Sonny Landreth’s “Speak of the Devil.” Mayall himself handles lead guitar on Albert King’s “Floodin’ in California,” one of his earliest blues influences. “World Gone Crazy,” one of five original songs by Mayall, offers his take on contemporary society. “Heartache” and “Just a Memory” mine familiar themes of lost love. While A Special Life may not break new ground, Mayall remains a staunch blues disciple still intent on spreading the word to anyone with ears to listen. – Tom Wilk (ICON MAGAZINE, July 2014)
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 21:58:52 +0000
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