John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - 70th Birthday Concert

Starring:John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Chris Barber
Studio: Eagle Vision USA
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Not all that many blues musicians (or any other kind, for that matter) live to 70, so British bandleader John Mayall had good reason to celebrate when he reached that milestone in 2003--and celebrate he did, with the admirable, 137-minute John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers: 70th Birthday Concert to show for it. Mayall, a capable if not exactly stellar singer and multi-instrumentalist, is best known for the many fine players who passed through his band over the years, and Eric Clapton, the most renowned of the lot, is on hand here, as is former Mayall/Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor. Clapton sings several tunes in addition to playing his trademark stinging solos on "Hideaway" and "All Your Love" (two of the tunes most responsible for the "Clapton is God" graffiti seen around London in the '60s), while Taylor is mostly impressive as well. But arguably the best guitarist on the Liverpool stage this night is current Bluesbreaker Buddy Whittington, who more than holds his own in the company of his more esteemed predecessors (check out Whittington's superb solos, informed by both Buddy Guy and jazz, on "Blues for the Lost Days" and the 17-minute "Have You Heard"). Indeed, this may well be Mayall's best and most versatile band ever--no mean feat for a guy now in his fifth decade on the scene. A Mayall interview is the disc's sole bonus feature. --Sam Graham
Description
SET LIST
Southside Story - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Kids Got The Blues - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Dirty Water - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Somebody's Acting Like A Child - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Taylor
Blues For the Lost Days - Mayall/ Bluesbreakers/Taylor
Walking On Sunset - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Taylor
Oh, Pretty Woman - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Taylor
No Big Hurry - Mayall/Clapton
Please Mr Lofton - Mayall/Clapton/Barber
Hideaway - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/Barber
All Your Love - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton
Have You Heard - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton
Hoochie Coochie Man - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/Barber
I'M TORE DOWN - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/Barber
It Ain't Right - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Talk To Your Daughter - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/ Taylor/Barber
6

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Friends - 70th Birthday Concert (Collectors' Edition)
Average customer rating:

John Mayall's DVD

Too good to give away

Double Your Pleasure

a real sleeper

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Friends - 70th Birthday Concert (Collectors' Edition)
Starring: John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and Friends
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Customer Reviews:

John Mayall's DVD.......2007-04-03

I am an vinyl collector with a wide slice of music history. I was a little worried about if he would be at his best on this DVD as he has had numerous lineups in his career, most were very good but some were not. This DVD is beyond very good since for the most part it is a "jam" of excellent talent. So much of music heard is "singer/star dominated "songs", but on this DVD this great bandleader gives everyone a chance to come alive.

Too good to give away.......2007-01-16

I purchased this dvd as a Xmas gift for my sister, who grew up loving John Mayall et al, but it was so outstanding we couldn't bear to part with it. Sorry, Jan.

Double Your Pleasure.......2005-09-20

If there ever was an "essential" John Mayall DVD, then the 70th Birthday Concert (Collector's Edition) has to be it. When I threw this in for the first time after it arrived, I sat transfixed as I took in the spectacular extravaganza that Mayall's birthday occasioned. Not only is his current lineup on hand, but a couple of alumni from past incarnations of the Bluesbreakers join in to make this DVD one to remember.
For me, the highlights are Southside Story, Dirty Water, Blues For The Lost Days, Walking On Sunset, Oh Pretty Woman, Hideaway, All Your Love, Have You Heard, and I'm Tore Down.
Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor return to contribute some guitar pyrotechnics, but long-time Mayall guitarist Buddy Whittington more than holds his own. Joe Yuele shows the world why he has been Mayall's drummer for so many years with his faultless play and Tom Canning turns in inspired performances on organ and piano. And what about Mayall himself? Well, he can play so many instruments and with such virtuosity, its hard to say what he's best at. The songs covered range from ones originally done in the sixties to some recorded in the last five years. The way everything came together so seamlessly, you'd think these guys had rehearsed this for months!
I recommend the Collector's Edition over the straight DVD. For a couple bucks extra, you double your pleasure. With the Collector's Edition, you get an abbreviated version of the concert on CD that you can listen to anytime you can't get to your big screen. It makes great cruising music. My favorites on the CD are Dirty Water, Walking On Sunset, Hideaway, Have You Heard, plus a real bonus that isn't on the concert DVD; a fine rendition of California
This is going to remain high in my rotation at home and on the road for months. If you like the music of John Mayall, then you should be thrilled by the way it comes alive here. Order it now!

a real sleeper.......2004-11-15

This dvd turned out to be one of my favorites in my collection,and I have many.John Mayall is truly a blues legend and a man of many talents.If your a blues fan, you will enjoy this one.Great sound,good camera work and great selection of songs.This is a keeper.

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - 70th Birthday Concert

Average customer rating:

Mayall's guitarists slug it out
Extremely Enjoyable Blues
John Mayall at 70.
Pinnacle Of British Blues
Outstanding Night of the Blues.

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - 70th Birthday Concert
Starring: John Mayall , Eric Clapton , and Chris Barber
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers - Jammin' With the Blues Greats
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Cream - Royal Albert Hall - London May 2-3-5-6 2005
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Eric Clapton - Sessions for Robert Johnson

ASIN: B0000E6FOK
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Amazon.com

Not all that many blues musicians (or any other kind, for that matter) live to 70, so British bandleader John Mayall had good reason to celebrate when he reached that milestone in 2003--and celebrate he did, with the admirable, 137-minute John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers: 70th Birthday Concert to show for it. Mayall, a capable if not exactly stellar singer and multi-instrumentalist, is best known for the many fine players who passed through his band over the years, and Eric Clapton, the most renowned of the lot, is on hand here, as is former Mayall/Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor. Clapton sings several tunes in addition to playing his trademark stinging solos on "Hideaway" and "All Your Love" (two of the tunes most responsible for the "Clapton is God" graffiti seen around London in the '60s), while Taylor is mostly impressive as well. But arguably the best guitarist on the Liverpool stage this night is current Bluesbreaker Buddy Whittington, who more than holds his own in the company of his more esteemed predecessors (check out Whittington's superb solos, informed by both Buddy Guy and jazz, on "Blues for the Lost Days" and the 17-minute "Have You Heard"). Indeed, this may well be Mayall's best and most versatile band ever--no mean feat for a guy now in his fifth decade on the scene. A Mayall interview is the disc's sole bonus feature. --Sam Graham

Description

SET LIST
Southside Story - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Kids Got The Blues - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Dirty Water - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Somebody's Acting Like A Child - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Taylor
Blues For the Lost Days - Mayall/ Bluesbreakers/Taylor
Walking On Sunset - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Taylor
Oh, Pretty Woman - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Taylor
No Big Hurry - Mayall/Clapton
Please Mr Lofton - Mayall/Clapton/Barber
Hideaway - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/Barber
All Your Love - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton
Have You Heard - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton
Hoochie Coochie Man - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/Barber
I'M TORE DOWN - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/Barber
It Ain't Right - Mayall/Bluesbreakers
Talk To Your Daughter - Mayall/Bluesbreakers/Clapton/ Taylor/Barber
6

Customer Reviews:

Mayall's guitarists slug it out.......2007-02-19

Clapton was always going to be the ace card in this show and his presence is arguably the most compelling reason people will want to hear this concert. It is ironic that resident Bluesbreaker Buddy Whittington smokes him on the territory that Clapton pioneered. Clapton is like the Stradivarius of blues guitarists - once upon a time he was so good at what he did that people have become blinded to the possibility he may no longer deserve his reputation.

Mick Taylor is the first guest onstage, and starts off with some nice understated playing - which is exactly where he stays. He seems oblivious to Buddy tearing up the other side of the stage, and although his lines are solid he appears at times to be searching for inspiration. Clapton follows him on halfway through the set and plays with a calculated air. If Taylor tries and fails to reach the depths within then Clapton flatly refuses to do so. He finally rises to the occasion on "Have You Heard", earning a standing ovation for a performance that Whittington bested at least half-a-dozen times during the show to far less acclaim. The dichotomy between the old guitar heroes and the only-slightly-younger unknown illustrates the divide that plagues the blues today: whether the blues is best represented by the form of the music or the spirit of the music. For my money, Buddy's was the more persuasive argument.

Some have complained about Mayall's harmonica playing, but being a harp player myself I found Mayall's performance very honest and unadorned by cliche - no small achievement given the quirks of this instrument. That is not to say that Mayall is more than a journeyman (at best) on the harp, but it illustrates his awareness of his own limitations as well as his sensitivity and taste. If it doesn't sound like Little Walter, well, that puts Mayall on Whittington's side of the argument above. Mayall was never a hack and this is why he can continue to surround himself with stellar musicians.

Extremely Enjoyable Blues.......2007-01-19

I remember listening to Mayall's live version of "Room to Move" playing over and over in the dorms in college, and loved it back then. When I saw that Clapton guests on the DVD, I was motivated to buy it. I am not a diehard fan of Mr. Mayall, but having watched the DVD a few times, I more fully appreciate him and his music. The quality of the video and audio are just fine, and they lose nothing on a big screen TV with the volume cranked (is there any other way to watch music DVD's?). Mick Taylor is "eh," and Clapton disappointingly plays the same-old same-old; nothing new or exciting there. He blends in with the band, not wanting to take the spotlight from Mr. Mayall (classy move, that). The Bluesbreakers are excellent, and at least watching this video, Clapton has nothing over the flying fingers of guitarist Buddy Whittington. Enjoy it.

John Mayall at 70........2006-02-27

Brilliant!It took me back 30 years.I will watch this dvd over&over again.

Pinnacle Of British Blues .......2006-02-13

Anyone who is a fan of Mayall's music or the 60's & 70's British Blues Scene (Yardbirds, Ten Years After, Fleetwood Mac, Savoy Brown etc...) will find this dvd to be "white boy blues" nirvana (for the uninitiated, before you get on my case about the previous term "white boy blues", enter it in the music search box and see what comes up, okay?). Seeing Clapton & Taylor on the same stage is pure magic. Eric must feel the need to show he's still got the "slowhand", because his playing here is 10 times better than any of his recent, more commercial albums (unfortunately Clapton's guitar is buried in the mix of several songs). The guitar playing on this dvd also reminds me of the "guitar battle" scene from the movie "Crossroads". The players just don't sit back and go through the motions (even Eric), they rip away with abandon and a sense of real competition. Not necessarily trying to upstage one another, but to show each other they mean business and have killer chops too. My favorite moment is during the solos of "Blues For The Lost Days".
Buddy Whittingham rips off a solo with playing that would make Stevie Ray look down and smile. Mick Taylor's solo follows; and it's as if Mick is talking thru his Les Paul to Buddy saying "is that all you got big boy?". Taylor follows with a solo for the blues history books that ends with a "fuzz-wah" pedal flurry that left me stunned. Mayall's singing is also really good, better than most of his studio album releases. The camera shots are superb & the overall sound here is fantastic (with the exception of Clapton's guitar volume at times).
So I get a little carried away! You almost have to with this dvd. My only regret is the absence of Peter Green; his contribution to Mayall's legacy is as great as any.
Regardless this is a must, add this dvd to cart ASAP!

Outstanding Night of the Blues........2005-10-17

Where should I start? Mayall at 70 plays and sings like when he was 40. Totally amazing performance by Mayall. I have been following his music since the Beno album with Clapton and this was one of the best I have seen him perform. The Bluesbreakers were outstanding, probably his best band ever. Tom is an amazing organist and knows how to really play the Hammond Organ. Joe is a very smooth and solid drummer and I can see why he has been in the group for so long. Hank is a great Blues bassist. The one that totally amazed and touched me musically though was Buddy Whittington. His playing, Tone, Chops, are FIRST RATE. I have played the DVD over and over again just to hear him play. He is one of the best Blues Guitarists I have heard in many years. He plays with amazing feeling but at the same time with great speed and presision. Very hard to do.

Mick was very good especially on Blues for Laurel Canyon and Oh Pretty woman. He plays some very nice slide on the ending track Talk to your Daughter also. He does not seem himself though and I also saw the medical bracelet on his wrist. Hope he is ok. Buddys Slide playing on Talk to your Daughter suprised me. I was not expecting it. Sounded a bit like Duane Allman!

Eric was very good and got better as the night went on. I think even Eric was inspired by Buddy though and after Buddy's solo on Have You Heard, Eric really plays his heart out. On The first two tracks with Eric (as others have also pointed out) Eric is way down in the Mix. Especially on No Big Hurry. That is a Shame.

The Quality of the DVD is outstanding, great shots, sound, color. Only problem I see is Erics level on the first two tracks like I already stated. Otherwise it's a FIRST RATE Concert in every way. So glad to see John going STRONG at 70! Hope he can still do it at 80! If so I will be listening! Buddy, Keep up the great playing! He is such an amazing musician.

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