John Mayall & The Blues Breakers - A Hard Road With Peter Green - 12" Vinyl LP Album
"A Hard Road" is the 1967 full-length album released by John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers ( Peter Green, John McVIe, Aynsley Dunbar )
"A Hard Road" is the 1967 full-length album released by John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers ( Peter Green, John McVIe, Aynsley Dunbar )
The 1967 album "A Hard Road" by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers is a significant and influential release in the realm of British blues. The album prominently features the talents of guitarist Peter Green, who would later go on to form the successful band Fleetwood Mac.
"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.
"A Hard Road" showcases a fusion of blues, R&B, and rock elements, characteristic of the British blues sound of the time. The album is known for its exceptional guitar work by Peter Green, which displays his soulful playing and expressive tone. Green's contributions greatly influenced the direction of the album and set the stage for his later success with Fleetwood Mac.
"A Hard Road" was well-received by critics and fans alike, further establishing John Mayall as a key figure in the British blues scene. The album's importance also lies in its impact on Peter Green's career. Green's time with the Bluesbreakers showcased his immense talent and led to his recognition as one of the most respected guitarists of his generation.
Vinyl LP Details:
The original 12" vinyl LP release of "A Hard Road" typically featured the classic blue Decca label. The album cover featured a colour photograph of John Mayall, Peter Green, John McVie, and Aynsley Dunbar.
Blues
Decca SKL 4853 / YAL 7652
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1967 Made in Holland
In the liner notes John Mayall tells and introduces the new band-members: Peter Green ( Guitars ) and Aynsley Dunbar ( Drums )
The personnel of the Bluesbreakers having changed since our last LP, this album serves as a proper introduction to two new members of the group ... Peter Green on lead guitar and Aynsley Dunbar on drums. I think that most people will realize what a tough time lay ahead in the way of comparison and criticism for any guitarist in this country faced with replacing the acknowledged master of blues guitar, Eric Clapton, in my band.
However Peter Green took over the Job and managed to brave out the storm. At first he sounded like a Clapton copyist, not unnaturally since he was having to play the current repertoire that Eric helped to make famous, and the transition to new material had to be gradual.
Within weeks though he began to develop his own ideas, and the technique to express them, until now it is obvious that both Peter and Eric have separately improved beyond recognition but in totally different directions. Speaking of the modern young blues guitarists that Inc heard 'live'
I would certainly cram Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Eric Clapton and Peter Green on the same pedestal. In my opinion they all sound completely individual but they all share the same emotional greatness. All I can say of Peter is that, having worked with him nearly every night since last July and witnessed his rapid progress as a blues player, he is the ideal guitarist for the overall band sound and a great person to work with.
Our new drummer, Aynsley Dunbar, is also a major musical talent and throughout the album he shows his strength and blues feel along-side bass guitarist John McVie in the rhythm section. Although John has been through good and bad times with us, I know from experience that a better blues bass guitarist would be difficult to find in this country.
As a great rhythm section Aynsley and John should not be underestimated in their importance to every number on which they are heard. , A quick word about the use of horns which are heard on "Another Kinda Love", "Someday After Awhile" and a couple more ...
I find Reeds: John Almond, Alan Skidmore, Ray Warleigh Once an advantage on some numbers but I would assure all our followers that I have no intention of augmenting the Bluesbreakers in the future, except for recording purposes. These days I play guitar on many of the numbers In our repertoire and my 5 string can be heard on the great Elmore James classic "Dust My Blues" and again "Top of the Hill". I play my old 9 string guitar on "The Same Way" and "Lining Alone".
Harmonica crops up on "It's Over", "Living Alone", "Leaping Christine", "You Don't Love Me" and "There's Always Work". The weird backing sound for the latter was achieved by greatly amplifying the faulty pedal click and hum emanating from the organ tone cabinet whilst Mike Vernon, Gus Dudgeon and I did the chanting and moaning sounds.
As it is almost impossible to use a piano for club appearances, I always look forward to using one on our recordings. I overdubbed piano onto a few of these titles and featured it on "A Hard Road", and "Hit The Highway". Peter is featured as lead singer on "You Don't Love Me" and on his own composition "The Same Way".
His guitar playing is well exposed on "The Stumble" and particularly on "The Supernatural" which he wrote specially for inclusion on this LP. I consider this one of the most meaningful instrumentals Inc heard and certainly stands as one of the hiespots on the record.
The music contained here means far more to me than anything we've recorded before and I hope you will find your own special favourite tracks from the manycontrasting types of blues represented here. Blues in it's true form is a reflection of a man's life and has to stem from personal experiences good and bad.
I accept that I'veunwittingly hurt a lot of people who've known me, I've few friends left, and now the only thing to live for Is the blues. "I'm trying to tell you people that the blues have hit me in my life.
You know I was born for trouble and it's a hard road 'till I die
John Mayall ( 1967 )
Mike Vernon - Producer
Gus Dudgeon - Sound Engineer
Recorded at West Hampstead Studios, from October till November 1966
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 annals 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 )
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.