"Blues Gigant" is a double 12" LP compilation album it was released in 1970 and includes tracks with Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley and John McVie.
In the vast and vibrant landscape of blues music, few names stand as tall as John Mayall. A British blues legend, Mayall's contributions to the genre are immeasurable, both as a bandleader and a musician. One of his notable works that truly showcases his prowess is the double 12" LP compilation album titled "Blues Gigant", released in 1970. This remarkable album features collaborations with some of the most talented musicians of the time, including Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley, and John McVie.
At the heart of "Blues Gigant" lies Mayall's ability to assemble a stellar lineup of musicians who were influential figures in their own right. Mayall himself is a master of the blues, known for his soulful vocals and skilled harmonica playing. As the leader of the Bluesbreakers, his band became a launching pad for numerous talented artists, many of whom went on to achieve great success in their own careers.
Peter Green, one of the guitar virtuosos of his generation, was a key contributor to the album. Green's distinctive playing style and soulful expression were instrumental in shaping the sound of British blues. His work with Mayall on tracks like "Evil Woman Blues" and "Leaping Christine" showcases the undeniable chemistry between the two musicians. Green's tasteful guitar solos and emotive phrasing add a layer of depth and intensity to Mayall's already powerful blues compositions.
Mick Taylor, another guitar prodigy, made his mark in the Rolling Stones before his collaboration with Mayall. His remarkable technical skill and melodic sensibility shine through on tracks like "No Reply" and "Sitting in the Rain". Taylor's intricate guitar work, characterized by his fluidity and precision, brings a new dimension to Mayall's music, elevating it to greater heights.
Keef Hartley, a talented drummer known for his work with his own band, the Keef Hartley Band, lends his exceptional rhythmic skills to "Blues Gigant". His solid and energetic drumming lays the foundation for the album's grooves and propels the songs forward. Hartley's contributions can be heard on tracks like "Think Twice Before You Go" and "Double Trouble".
Completing the lineup is John McVie, who would later gain fame as the bassist of Fleetwood Mac. McVie's powerful and melodic basslines anchor the album's sound, providing a solid backbone for the band's blues-driven compositions. His collaboration with Mayall on tracks like "She's Too Young" and "Don't Waste My Time" demonstrates his ability to tastefully blend with the ensemble while still making his presence felt.
"Blues Gigant" is not just a collection of exceptional musicians coming together; it is a testament to the enduring power of the blues and the remarkable talents of John Mayall. With each track, Mayall and his collaborators explore the depths of the blues, infusing it with their unique styles and creating a sonic tapestry that resonates with listeners. From soulful ballads to energetic, foot-stomping numbers, the album encompasses the full range of emotions and experiences that define the blues.
As the needle glides across the grooves of the double 12" LP, one can't help but be transported to a world where the blues reign supreme. The chemistry between Mayall, Green, Taylor, Hartley, and McVie is undeniable, and their combined talents create a musical experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. "Blues Gigant" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of John Mayall and the remarkable musicians who shared their artistry on this album.
Decades after its release, "Blues Gigant" remains a cherished gem in the realm of blues music. It serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration, the magic of the blues, and the immense talent of the artists involved. With every listen, this album continues to captivate audiences, taking them on a journey through the rich and soulful landscape of the blues. Mayall's "Blues Gigant" with Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley, and John McVie will forever be etched in the world of blues history as a true masterpiece and a testament to the enduring allure of the genre.
Blues ( British )
Decca 6.28 117
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 460 gram
1970 Germany
Transcript of the Liner notes of the Album "Blues Giant" in which Anton Witkamp explains ( in German language ) the History of British Blues during the 1960s
Schon 1963 waren junge englische Zuhörer reif für den Blues. Die ersten Schallplatten der Beatles, der Rolling Stones, der Yardbirds, des Dave Berry usw. waren stark von amerikanischen Sängern, wie Chuck Berry und Bo Diddley, beeinflußt, die bis dahin nur bei einer kleinen Anzahl von treuen Blues-Fans bekannt waren.
Im Laufe der Jahre gingen die Beatles ihren eigenen Weg, aber die Rolling Stones blieben dem Blues treu. 1964 nahm die Gruppe Willie Dixons »Red Rooster« auf und gab damit ihren besten Beitrag zum britischen Blues. So wie die Jahre vergingen, entfernten sich auch die Stones vom Blues, aber kehrten 1968 mit ihrem großartigen »Beggar's Banquet«-Album dazu zurück.
Obwohl die obengenannten Gruppen die Ohren der Fans für die Musik von Berry und Bo Diddiey öffneten, war der eigentliche Blues noch immer nur den wenigen Lesern der »Blues Unlimited« bekannt. Nur zwei »authentische« englische Blues-Musiker machten etwas Geld in kleinen Clubs, nämlich Alexis Korner und John Mayall.
Korner hatte eine Gruppe mit dem verstorbenen Cyril Davies, Charlie Watts und Long John Baldry. Alexis fing in den frühen 60er Jahren an, Aufnahmen mit Decca zu machen, und ist noch immer ganz dabei. John Mayall stammt aus Manchester und machte seine ersten Schallplattenaufnahmen für Decca mit Cyril Davies' früherem Gitarristen Bernie Watson.
Anfang 1966 schloß sich Mayall mit dem früheren Yardbirdspieler Eric Ciapton zusammen, und sie produzierten die hervorragende »Bluesbreakers«-LP. Die Besetzung dieser Gruppe änderte sich plötzlich, als Clapton und der Baß-Gitarrist Jack Bruce aus-schieden, um »The Cream« zu gründen.
Es muß ziemlich schwierig gewesen sein, guten Ersatz zu finden. Schließlich übernahm Peter Green Erics Job, und sie produzierten eine LP, genannt »A Hard Road«. Einige Monate später verließ Green die Blues-breakers, um seine eigene Gruppe zu bilden; das gleiche taten der Schlagzeuger Aynsley Dunbar und der Baß-Gitarrist John McVie.
Ohne Gruppe nahm John seine neue LP im Mai 1967 auf, die den traurigen Titel »The Blues Alone« bekam. Die Besetzung der neuen Bluesbreakers überraschte viele Fans, denn die Band hatte zwei Bläser. Diejenigen jedoch, die enttäuscht waren, änderten ihre Meinung, sobald »Crusade« herauskam.
Die Bläser paßten gut zur Gruppe, der Schlagzeuger Keef Hartiey war eine Sensation, und Mayall hatte einen Gitarristen der Spitzenklasse, genannt Mich Taylor, entdeckt. Der Talentsucher John Mayall hatte es wieder geschafft!
Obwohl die Besetzung der Bluesbreakers in den darauffolgenden Jahren mehrmals wechselte, blieben die Bläser und Mick Taylor ein Teil der Gruppe. Ganz unerwartet löste John kurz nach einer erfolgreichen Tournee durch Holland die Gruppe auf.
Einige Monate später reiste er mit einem Quartett durch die Vereinigten Staaten — mit einem neuen Schlagzeuger, einem neuen Baß-Gitarristen und Mich Taylor war John wieder obenauf. »Blues from Laurel Canyon« hat uns bewiesen, daß John Mayall ein Bandleader erster Klasse ist.
Ich kenne andere be-rühmte Gruppen, die ihre Besetzung nur wenige Male wechselten und trotzdem praktisch (fast) von der Szene verschwanden. Ihnen fehlte ein starker Leader, ein Talentsucher und Kämpfer, ihnen fehlte ein Mann wie John Mayall. Seine Kraft und sein Talent hat die Musik seiner Band auf einem dauerhaften hohen Niveau gehalten und hat uns viele, viele erfreuliche Stunden zum Zuhören gebracht.
Anton Witkamp
The inner pages of this album cover contains photos and liner notes This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover.
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
John Mayall's John Mayall is a British blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist born on 29 November 1933, in Manchester, England. He is considered to be the "Godfather of British blues" and has played a significant role in the development of blues music in Britain. Mayall formed the blues rock band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s and has collaborated with many famous musicians including Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor. He has released over 30 studio albums and continues to tour and perform. Mayall has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to blues music and is recognized as one of the most influential musicians of the genre.
John Mayall began his music career in the late 1950s as a solo blues artist, but it wasn't until the 1960s that he formed the John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers band. The band became a launching pad for several famous musicians who went on to form successful solo careers, including Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor. Mayall's music blends traditional blues with elements of rock, jazz, and soul, and he is known for his unique style of harmonica playing, guitar work, and distinctive voice.
Throughout his career, Mayall has collaborated with numerous musicians, both in the studio and on tour. He has also been a prolific recording artist, releasing over 30 studio albums that have earned critical acclaim and commercial success. Some of his most popular albums include "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton" (1966), "Crusade" (1967), and "Blues from Laurel Canyon" (1968).
Mayall has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to blues music, including induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006. He continues to tour and perform, and his music continues to inspire new generations of blues fans and musicians. Despite his advanced age, Mayall remains active in the music scene and continues to be recognized as one of the most important figures in the history of blues music.
Eric Clapton (Full-name: Eric Patrick Clapton ) a British guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. He first gained fame as a member of the band The Yardbirds, and later as a member of Cream, one of the first supergroups. Clapton has also had a successful solo career and has released numerous hit songs, including "Layla," "Wonderful Tonight," and "Tears in Heaven." He has won 18 Grammy Awards and has been awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music.
Clapton was born in Ripley, Surrey, England, in 1945. He showed an early interest in the guitar and began playing in local bands in his teens. He rose to prominence in the mid-1960s as a member of The Yardbirds, and later as a member of Cream, where he showcased his virtuosic guitar playing and blues-influenced style.
In the 1970s, Clapton launched a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and hit songs. He collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and B.B. King, and became known for his emotional and soulful playing.
Throughout his career, Clapton has struggled with personal issues, including addiction, and has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse. Despite this, he has continued to tour and perform, and has remained a popular and influential figure in the music world.
In addition to his musical achievements, Clapton is also known for his philanthropy and activism. He founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and rehabilitation facility for individuals struggling with substance abuse, and has been involved in numerous charitable causes throughout his career.
Eric Patrick Clapton was born in Ripley, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom on 30/3/1945. He is the first child of Edward Walter Fryer 21/03/1920 and Patricia Molly 07/01/1929.
When he was 40 years old, his father Edward Walter Fryer died (15/05/1985). When he was 54 years old, his mother Patricia Molly died (Mar 1999).
His partner is Lory Del Santo. His partner is Alice Ormsby-Gore. His partner is Yvonne Kelly. On 27/3/1979, he married Pattie Boyd in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, United States. On 1/1/2002, he married Melia McEnery. He was 33 years old when he married Pattie Boyd. He was 56 years old when he married Melia McEnery. He got divorced from Pattie Boyd in 1989. He has three children with Melia McEnery: Julie Rose Clapton 13/6/2001, Ella May Clapton 14/3/2003, Sophie Belle Clapton 1/2/2005. He has one son with Lory Del Santo: Conor Clapton 21/08/1986. He has one daughter with Yvonne Kelly: Ruth Kelly Clapton 1985.
Peter Green (Real-name: Peter Allen Greenbaum) Peter Green was an English guitarist and singer-songwriter born on 29 October 29 1946, in London, England. He was best known as the co-founder and original guitarist of the rock band Fleetwood Mac, one of the most successful bands of the 1970s. Green's musical style was rooted in blues, and he was recognized for his virtuosic guitar playing and soulful singing.
Green joined Fleetwood Mac in 1967 and was a key member of the band during its early years, contributing to several albums and helping to shape the band's blues-rock sound. He wrote and sang several of Fleetwood Mac's most famous songs, including "Albatross," "Black Magic Woman," and "Oh Well." Green's guitar playing was characterized by his fluid and lyrical playing style and his use of distortion and feedback, which was innovative for its time.
Green left Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and began a solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other musicians. However, he struggled with personal and health problems, including depression and drug use, and he retired from the music industry for several years in the late 1970s and 1980s.
In the 1990s, Green re-emerged on the music scene and began playing and recording again. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and continued to perform and record music until his death on 25 July 25. Green's contributions to the development of blues-rock and his influence on other musicians make him one of the most important figures in the history of rock music.
Hughie Flint was an English drummer and percussionist born on May 11, 1941, in London, England. Flint was best known for his work as a session musician in the 1960s and 1970s, where he played on numerous albums by some of the biggest names in popular music. He was especially well known for his work as a member of the blues rock band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.
Flint joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1967 and played on several of the band's most famous albums, including "Blues from Laurel Canyon" (1968) and "The Turning Point" (1969). He was known for his steady and inventive drumming style, which was characterized by its driving grooves and intricate rhythms. Flint's work with Mayall helped to establish him as one of the most respected session drummers of his era.
In addition to his work with Mayall, Flint played on many other albums and sessions during his career, working with artists such as Spencer Davis Group, Eric Clapton, and Van Morrison. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile drummers of his generation, and his work continues to be widely acclaimed by fans and musicians alike.
Unfortunately, not much information is available about the personal life and later years of Hughie Flint, as he passed away on October 25, 1971, at the age of 30. However, his contributions to the development of blues rock and his influence on other musicians make him a significant figure in the history of popular music.