The 1981 John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers - Featuring Eric Clapton & Peter Green 12" Vinyl LP is a legendary blues album, featuring two guitar greats., with liner notes in Dutch. , with liner notes in Dutch.
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. In this web-page, we delve deep into the making of this legendary album, exploring the tracks, the musicians, and the historical context that surrounded its creation.
The Musical Maestros
Before we dissect the album track by track, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent that converged on this record:
- John Mayall - The man behind The Bluesbreakers, John Mayall, is a blues virtuoso. Apart from his powerful lead vocals, Mayall skillfully wields the guitar and harmonica, making him a formidable force in the genre.
- Eric Clapton - The name Eric Clapton needs no introduction. Often referred to as "Slowhand", Clapton's virtuosity on the guitar is second to none. His contributions to this album are nothing short of stellar.
- Peter Green - A founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green's blues guitar skills are legendary. His soulful vocals and guitar work add a unique dimension to the album.
- John McVie - On bass, we have John McVie, who later became a cornerstone of Fleetwood Mac. His basslines provide the album with a solid and groovy foundation.
- Drumming Excellence - The rhythm section features two talented drummers: Hughie Flint and Aynsley Dunbar. Their impeccable timing and feel for the blues shine throughout the record.
- The Brass Section - The album also boasts a vibrant brass section, with Alan Skidmore, John Almond, and Dennis Healy on trumpets. Their contributions elevate the sound and energy of the tracks.
Tracklisting Side One:
1. Key to Love - The album kicks off with "Key to Love", a short but sweet blues number that showcases Mayall's harmonica prowess and Clapton's emotive guitar work.
2. Out of Reach - "Out of Reach" is a soulful ballad where Peter Green's vocals take center stage. His haunting delivery adds depth and emotion to the song.
3. The Supernatural - This instrumental track allows Clapton and Green to let their guitars do the talking. It's a showcase of their extraordinary talent and chemistry.
4. Sitting in the Rain - Mayall's gritty vocals shine in this track, supported by a solid rhythm section and Clapton's tasteful guitar fills.
5. All Your Love - A blues classic, "All Your Love" is given a fresh interpretation here. Clapton's guitar solo is nothing short of magical.
6. Hide Away - A nod to Freddie King's classic, "Hide Away" is a rollicking instrumental where Clapton and Green trade scorching guitar licks.
7. It's Over - The first side of the album concludes with "It's Over", a bluesy lament led by Mayall's vocals and harmonica.
Tracklisting Side Two:
8. Dust My Blues - Side Two opens with "Dust My Blues", a spirited track with Clapton and Green weaving their guitar magic.
9. Parchman Farm - "Parchman Farm" is a gritty blues number that showcases Mayall's harp skills and the tight rhythm section's groove.
10. Another Kinda Love - Peter Green's vocals shine again in this emotional ballad. His guitar work adds a layer of melancholy to the song.
11. It Ain't Right - A high-energy blues-rock track, "It Ain't Right" features Mayall's raw vocals and Clapton's searing guitar solos.
12. Someday, After a While - This track has a slow, bluesy groove that allows the musicians to stretch out and showcase their improvisational skills.
13. Have You Heard - The album closes with "Have You Heard", a nearly six-minute epic that highlights the ensemble's musical prowess. Clapton's extended guitar solo is a highlight.
14. Steppin' Out - A bonus track, "Steppin' Out", is a rollicking instrumental that serves as a fitting encore to this blues extravaganza.
British Blues
Decca 6399 111
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1981 Netherlands
Aynsley Dunbar Aynsley Dunbar is an English drummer and percussionist born on 10 January 1946, in Liverpool, England. He is best known for his work as a session drummer and his collaborations with some of the biggest names in rock music. Dunbar began his music career in the 1960s, playing with several blues and rock bands in England, including The Mojos and The Jeff Beck Group.
Dunbar's drumming style is characterized by his powerful and dynamic playing, as well as his versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of musical genres. He has played on numerous albums and sessions during his career, working with artists such as Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, John Mayall, and many others.
Dunbar was a member of the blues rock band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers for a brief period in the late 1960s, and he also played with the band Jefferson Starship in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to his work as a session drummer, Dunbar has also been a member of several other bands and has released several solo albums.
Aynsley Dunbar is recognized as one of the most talented and influential drummers of his generation, and his contributions to the development of rock music have earned him a place in the world of music history. He continues to tour and perform to this day and remains an active and highly respected figure in the world of music.
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
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Polydor 2488 209 / Album 2675 093 D.R. , 1973 , France
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Decca SKL 4804 , 1971 , Holland
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Decca 6.28 117 , 1970 , Germany
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London 820 539 , 1969 , Germany
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Decca FFSS SKL.4972 (ZAL 8532) St George Music , 1968 , England
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Decca 6399 111 , 1981 , Holland / Netherlands
The 1981 John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers - Featuring Eric Clapton & Peter Green 12" Vinyl LP is a legendary blues album, featuring two guitar greats., with liner notes in Dutch.
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DECCA DL 25 386 , 1965
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