Blues Hall of
Fame Member John Mayall Set to Release New CD, Talk about That, on
January 27, 2017, from Forty Below Records
Latest Album
Features Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member Joe Walsh as Special Guest on
Two Tracks
LOS ANGELES, CA – Iconic musician and Blues Hall of Fame
member John Mayall will release his latest CD, Talk about That,
on January 27 from Forty Below Records. Joining Mayall (vocals, keyboards,
harmonica and guitar) and Greg Rzab (bass), Jay Davenport (drums) and Rocky
Athas (guitar) as special guest is legendary guitarist Joe Walsh, who plays on
two tracks, “The Devil Must Be Laughing” and “Cards on the Table,” both John
Mayall compositions. The songs showcase Walsh’s amazing guitar work and are
destined to be two of the many highlights on this new disc. Talk about
That will be available for pre-orders at both Amazon.com and iTunes
starting December 9.
Watch a special preview video of
the making of Talk about That:
Produced by John Mayall (who also designed the album
package) and Forty Below Records president Eric Corne (who also engineered and
mixed), Talk about That was recorded at House of Blues Studio in
Encino, California, and contains 11 tracks: eight originals, plus covers from
Memphis soul music songwriter Bettye Crutcher (“It’s Hard Going Up”), blues
great Jimmy Rogers (“Goin’ Away Baby”) and rock singer/songwriter Jerry Lynn
Williams (“Don’t Deny Me”). The album also showcases a three-piece horn section
that adds extra punch on several tracks, including the infectious New
Orleans-flavored “Gimme Some of that Gumbo.”
“When I first had
the idea for the title track, ‘Talk about That,’ I wanted to write lyrics that
were about aspects of life that were running through my head,” says John
Mayall. “I also wanted to give the song a modern groove that would convey the
fun mood driving the piece. Greg and Jay laid down a really infectious
rhythm for me to feature my keyboard chops and bring the song to life with a
really funky feel driving it.”
Throughout
his career, John Mayall has always written timely songs that reflect what he
sees going on in the world around him, whether it’s war, poverty, social
injustice or personal introspection. Such is the case with “The Devil Must Be
Laughing,” which deals with the current political and world climate. And that
incentive also brought him in touch with Joe Walsh, who contributes some
percolating guitar work that melds perfectly with the song’s theme.
“A day
before we recorded ‘The Devil Must Be Laughing,’ we got a message through the
studio owner that Joe Walsh wanted to come by and possibly play on a track or
two as a guest,” recalls Mayall. “Who was I to say no to that idea! So,
Joe turned up at noon on the appointed day and with only a quick listen,
plugged in and we did the song in one take. The second song closely
followed, and with a smile and a quick photo, Joe was done and on his way.
What a kick for all of us that day!”
For Joe Walsh, playing on a session with one of his musical
heroes also held a special place. “It has been a
bucket-list item since 1970 to play with John Mayall,” states Walsh. “John
had a run of GREAT British guitarists (one after another) with his
‘Bluesbreakers’ albums, and that’s how many of us in the States
became aware of them. Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor - I
studied them all for hours and became a much better guitarist as a
result. The albums were legendary stuff and I have wanted to work with John for
years and years, wondering what it would be like.
“Finally got the chance - and he
was the complete gentleman and fine, fine musician I had always hoped he would
be. When you meet a hero who helped shape your career – it’s a wonderful
feeling to find they’re even cooler than you always thought they were.”
The recording sessions for Talk about That also
represent the last recordings with Mayall’s quartet band lineup, as shortly
after they were completed, guitarist Rocky Athas left the band to pursue his
solo career. Starting with the recent fall tour dates of the British blues
“Godfather,” his band became a trio with Mayall, Rzab and Davenport.
In September, John Mayall issued the following statement:
“By now, many of you will have heard the dramatic news that
I will now be performing live shows as a trio. I feel I should explain how it
all came about in a chain of events that led to my decision. Due to
severe storm conditions recently, guitarist Rocky Athas was unable to get out
of Dallas for my recent festival shows that led to my performing as a
trio. Having never performed anywhere or at any time without a guitar
sidekick, I found that I was able to explore new territories in a trio
configuration playing organ, keyboards, harmonica and guitar. Needless to
say I was surprised at how different and stimulating the experience was for me
as a performer.
“When I told Rocky Athas of my decision, he was very
understanding and hopefully his popularity in my band for the past seven years
will be increased as he resumes his solo career. To me it seems fitting
that the final guitar position in my band featured one of the nicest and most
talented guys I’ve known and the best in his field. We all wish him well.
“So now, as Greg Rzab, Jay Davenport and I embark on several
weeks of intensive touring all around the States, we hope you all will enjoy
the fireworks coming your way as my live show calendar brings us to your
expectant ears.”
The John Mayall trio will continue to tour throughout the
fall and into early 2017 in the U.S., followed by a lengthy European tour in
February. The American tour includes several days onboard the “Legends Cruise,”
leaving Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and sailing from January 19 – 23.
John Mayall US
Tour Dates
11/9
Tower
Theatre
Bend, OR
11/10
El Rey
Theatre
Chico, CA
11/11
Rio
Theater
Santa Cruz, CA
11/12-11/13 Yoshi’s
Oakland, CA
11/14
Tower Theatre for Performing
Arts
Fresno, CA
11/15
Crest
Theater
Sacramento, CA
11/16
Fremont
Theater
San Luis Obispo, CA
11/17
Canyon
Club
Agoura Hills, CA
11/18
The
Rose
Pasadena, CA
11/19
The Coach
House
San Juan Cap., CA
11/20
Belly Up
Tavern
Solana Beach, CA
11/23
Castle Theater @ Maui Arts & Cultural
Ctr. Maui, HI
11/25
Palace
Theaterilo
Hilo, HI
11/26
Honokaa Peoples
Theater
Honokaa, HI
11/27
Blue Note Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
1/19/17 – 1/23/17 – Legends Cruise
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