"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 )
GNP Crescendo GNPS 2184 , 1985 , Germany
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.
Learn more
Polydor 2488 209 / Album 2675 093 D.R. , 1973 , France
Now, don't let the "Best of" title fool you. This ain't no watered-down, radio-friendly collection of hits. Mayall digs deep into his back catalog, unearthing hidden gems and showcasing his evolution from a purist bluesman to a genre-bending experimenter. You get a taste of his early days
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Decca SKL 4804 , 1971 , Holland
John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers' "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton," often called the "Beano album," is a landmark in British blues. This 1966 release features a young Eric Clapton's fiery guitar work, a raw sound that revolutionized blues rock. With Clapton's Les Paul through a Marshall amp
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Decca 6.28 117 , 1970 , Germany
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.
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London 820 539 , 1969 , Germany
Recorded in 1968, John Mayall's "Blues from Laurel Canyon" is a sonic snapshot of his immersion in the Laurel Canyon music scene. Blending electric blues with acoustic guitar and psychedelic influences, the album showcases Mayall's evolving sound and storytelling prowess.
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Decca FFSS SKL.4972 (ZAL 8532) St George Music , 1968 , England
Forget your dusty Delta blues and your Chicago shuffles. Mayall and his band of merry pranksters are channeling the electric mudslide of Jimi Hendrix and the psychedelic swirl of Cream, filtering it through the lens of their own British blues sensibilities. This is blues rock for the Age of Aquarius, baby,
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Decca 6399 111 , 1981 , Holland / Netherlands
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers' 1981 self-titled album, featuring Eric Clapton and Peter Green, stands as an iconic milestone in the blues and rock music panorama. This 12" Vinyl LP, complete with liner notes in Dutch, encapsulates the essence of British blues at its zenith. I
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DECCA DL 25 386 , 1965
This ain't your polished, overdubbed LP experience. It's a sonic snapshot of the band tearing up Klooks Kleek club in London, circa 1964. The air crackles with electricity, the crowd roars, and Mayall's harmonica wails like a banshee on a bender. This is blues with its sleeves rolled up, ready to brawl.
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Decca SKL 4853 / YAL 7652 , 1967 , Holland
"A Hard Road" was the third studio album released by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, following their successful self-titled debut and "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton" (1966). This album marked a transitional phase for the band, as it saw the departure of Eric Clapton and the arrival of Peter Green.
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ABC Records AA-1086 , 1978 , USA
This is blues for the bicentennial generation, a raw, unvarnished sound that harkens back to the smoky clubs where Mayall cut his teeth. But it's also a glimpse into the future, with hints of jazz fusion and funk creeping into the mix. Mayall, ever the restless innovator, refuses to be pigeonholed by genre
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Polydor 184 308 , 1969 , Spain
This ain't your typical Mayall jam. Gone are the wailing guitars and thundering drums. Instead, we get acoustic guitars, flutes, saxophones, and Mayall's ever-present harmonica. It's a stripped-down, intimate sound, a sonic campfire gathering in the midst of a rock and roll hurricane.
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Decca 6.25 333 (625333) , Germany
This is a Rare German release called: Die Weisse Serie. John Mayall's Weisse Serie 12" Vinyl LP is a collection of recordings from the 1960s and 1970s, showcasing his exceptional blues songwriting and performances. A true gem for fans of Mayall's work and classic blues in general.
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