"John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - Behind The Iron Curtain" is a timeless 12" vinyl LP capturing a live open-air concert with blues legends Coco Montoya and Walter Trout. Recorded during the Cold War era, the album's historical context adds depth, showcasing the universal language of music. The vinyl format enhances the experience, providing a nostalgic journey through the collaborative spirit of the blues.
The evolution of music formats has witnessed various milestones throughout history, but few have stood the test of time like vinyl records. Among the plethora of vinyl albums that have left an indelible mark on music history is John Mayall's Bluesbreakers' "Behind The Iron Curtain." This 12" vinyl LP album captures the essence of a live open-air concert featuring blues legends Coco Montoya and Walter Trout on guitar. Let's delve into the production history of this timeless piece of blues artistry.
The Maestro: John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers
John Mayall, often referred to as the "Godfather of British Blues," has been a driving force in the blues genre for decades. His seminal work with The Bluesbreakers has left an indelible mark on the blues landscape, influencing countless musicians and shaping the course of blues music. "Behind The Iron Curtain" is a testament to Mayall's ability to curate a musical experience that transcends time and borders.
The Genesis of "Behind The Iron Curtain":
The album, recorded live, takes its name from the Cold War era when the Iron Curtain divided Eastern and Western Europe. The historical context adds a layer of significance to the album, capturing a moment in time when music served as a universal language that could bridge political and cultural gaps.
Live Open Air Concert:
"Behind The Iron Curtain" stands out as a live open-air concert, a format that captures the raw energy and spontaneity of a live performance. The decision to record in this setting adds an extra dimension to the album, allowing listeners to feel the pulse of the audience and experience the chemistry between the musicians in real-time.
Blues Greats: Coco Montoya and Walter Trout:
The inclusion of Coco Montoya and Walter Trout on guitar elevates the album to legendary status. Montoya and Trout, both accomplished blues musicians in their own right, bring their unique styles and virtuosity to the stage, creating a sonic tapestry that is both intricate and powerful. The interplay between the musicians is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the blues, where improvisation and individual expression coalesce into a harmonious whole.
The Vinyl Experience:
The decision to release "Behind The Iron Curtain" on a 12" vinyl LP adds a nostalgic touch to the listening experience. Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike appreciating the warmth and authenticity of analog sound. The physicality of the vinyl format allows listeners to engage with the music on a tangible level, flipping through album art and immersing themselves in the rich tones of the blues.
Blues
GNP Crescendo GNPS 2184
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1985 Germany
John Mayall - Producer
John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - Sound Engineering and photography
John Hoier an Sunswept Studios - Sound Remix
Bill Lightner at K-Disc, Los Angeles - Sound Mastering
Recorded at an open air concert in Szeged, Hungary 6th June 1985
Ed Francis - Album Design & Graphics
Kirk Buchanan - Photographer
Terence Bert - Photographer
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.