Legendary “Bluesman” John Mayall On the Road… Again, An Interview

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Written by: jorge

John Mayall Interview2/28/2011Thank you for allowing yet another interview as to your vast and historic music career.

Time does not allow me to list all the people you have influenced, not only in blues field, but all musical genres. You are truly a living and working legend.

I would like to focus on the “LIVE” aspect of John Mayall.

Bio

jorge How long have been on the road, playing live?

JM:I started in 1962 and have been going along creatively ever since. It is one aspect that gives me great satisfaction. The current lineup of Rocky Athas on guitar, Greg Rzab on bass guitar and Jay Davenport on drums has been with me since 2009 and gives me great energy that can be heard on the latest album. TOUGH.

jorge: You have had countless bands and band configurations. What usually dictates change and what is the average life of a touring band?

JM:There is no average time that any one lineup stays together. It always depends on the creative process which is ever ongoing.
jorge: Is there a line-up that holds a special place for you in your career and if so could you elaborate on the chemistry?

jorge: Could you tell us about your current band and how long they have been with you, etc?

JM:Today’s lineup fulfills every aspect of my work. Very high energy and of course exceptional expertise on their respective instruments.We have been together now since the beginning of 2009 and it seems we go from strength to strength. Originally organist Tom Canning was on board but after he left we have found new excitement in the dynamics of a four piece lineup.

jorge: If you could change one thing in the music world and it would become a reality what wuould that be?

JM:I don’t really have an answer to that one. As long as there is an audience for the blues in all media I think we are in good shape. We look forward to seeing you in Iowa. It’s been a long time but we’ll sure make up for it when we hit the stage.

Tour:

March 27 Riverside,Iowa (Look for photos from iamnotjerry.com)

March 29 Bayside, NY

March 30 Fairfield , CT

March 31 White River Junction,VT

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Thanks to Maggie Mayall for coordinating the interview

About the Author

jorge

Grew up in Central Iowa, in and around Des Moines. As a young child I was influenced by jazz, via my mother's record collection. My first concert was probably a jazz concert in the Rose Garden at the Des Moines Art Center. My mother passed away listening to music. At around 14 I began to attend "rock" shows. First one, The Denver Pop Festival at Mile High Stadium in Denver Colorado. It was here that many of my musical preferences were born. Besides being tear gassed, I was introduced to The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Frank Zappa and The Mothers, Iron Butterfly and Tommy Bolin with Zepher, to name a few. The festival is most memorable as the final Jimi Hendrix Experience performance. It was also the precursor to Woodstock. In the years to follow I attended concerts regularly in the Midwest, from Minneapolis to Chicago. Too many to recall, unless you ask... In December 2010 I began iamnotjerry.com. The name came from years of people stating, "Hey Jerry, you are alive" at concerts and festivals, the purpose remained the same, help support "LIVE" Music.