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REVIEWS

John Mayall—The Sun Is Shining Down—Forty Below Records

John Mayall does not need any introduction to the world of blues
as he’s been a British stalwart of the genre for decades. Whilst

probably best known for introducing some of the best of British
blues guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor
he was also an integral part and pioneer of the British Blues boom
of the 1960’s.

I remember growing up in Manchester as a teenager in the 1960’s
/ 70’s discovering the blues through John Mayall and enjoying his

many live performances at the Free Trade Hall. It is amazing that
at the ripe old age of 88 he has managed to once again assemble a band of fine musicians for this
latest album.

The album kicks off in style with 'Hungry And Ready' a great opening number that has that BB King
big band blues bounce. There is some great guitar work to be had from Marcus King on 'Can’t Take
No More'. 'Chills And Thrills' is a real funky offering with some nice electric piano and great guitar

solo from Mike Campbell. 'One Special Lady' is underpinned with a great walking bass line and
some lush Hammond organ that really sets off this jazzy number.

'A Quitter Never Wins' slows things down a little and John Mayall shows us he still has that instant-
ly recognisable truly distinctive harmonica sound of his, a joy to behold. There is a rework of 'Deep
Blue Sea' which was the closing track on his 'USA Union' album. Scarlet Rivera takes up violin du-
ties here although I have to confess I did prefer the violin of Don “Sugarcane” Harris on the origi-

nal. The album closes with the title track ‘The Sun Is Shining Down' a cool laid back blues which
describes his journey that has taken him to California for which he is truly blessed, a fitting closure
to the album.

There are no surprises with this album, just good solid blues. Sadly his voice is not quite what it
was but his keyboard work and harmonica are still right up there. Once again John has pulled to-
gether a fine crop of musicians to produce yet another great blues album, time to salute the godfa-

ther of the British blues!
Ged Wilson

Dom Martin—A Savage Life—Foxrock Music Productions

Dom Martin is starting to make his mark on the British blues

scene having won UK Blues Awards and indeed he will be repre-
senting the UK at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis
this year. This album of self penned songs has a mix of solo
acoustic and his three piece electric band.

First up is 'Unsatisfied' a simple song centred around a simple
fuzzed up blues riff whilst 'Here Comes The River' is more mellow