Empty Rooms [Original recording remastered]

John Mayall | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 1, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 1969
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Universal I.S.
• ASIN: B000002GLS
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,281 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #25 in Music > Blues > Harmonica Blues

Track Listings

1. Don't Waste My Time

2. Plan Your Revolution

3. Don't Pick A Flower

4. Something New

5. People Cling Together

6. Waiting For The Right Time

7. Thinking Of My Woman

8. Counting The Days

9. When I Go

10. Many Miles Apart

11. To A Princess

12. Lying In My Bed

Editorial Reviews

1969 album for the elder statesman of British blues. 12 tracks.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Turning Point ; The Second Spring, May 17, 2007

By 

PHILIP S WOLF (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Empty Rooms (Audio CD)

After the huge success of the: "Turning Point" LP and the FM airplay of: "Room To Move" John Mayall. had achieved stardom in the USA at long last. Whilst touring to promote: "Turning Point" John, was planning his next move, that being a studio LP of new songs featuring the Turning Point musicans: Johnny Almond, Jon Mark and Steve Thompson.

Written and recorded during 1969, while the tunes, "California" and "Room To Move" were staples of FM Radio, this new work became "Empty Rooms". John, was missing his new favorite place Los Angeles, Ca. and a new lady in his Life Nancy T. And that shows up in his writing here. When I first had a listen to this album in 1970 a friend of mine commented that this record was a bummer Well, I must admit it is a bit of downer but THIS IS THE TURNING POINT BAND and for that mighty reason alone, it is worth a listen.

Again, this is a good record but, we were all expecting a great record to follow "Turning Point." I can not find fault in these musicians, they are top-notch. And as found on the previous record the saxophones and flutes of Mr. Johnny Almond, are as great as any jazz player of this era. Also of high value is the amazing bass guitarist Steve Thompson (Steve, left Mayall's band to hook up with Donovan before these recording sessions were completed.)

This album was another success for John Mayall, and "Don't Waste My Time" and "Counting The Days" both received lots of plays on the FM. But this group was to soon disolve and Jon Mark & Johnny Almond became the very successful band: "Mark Almond." Afterwards John Mayall rebuilt his band once again and on the very next release: "USA Union" with a stronger bunch of tunes and the talents of fiddler Sugarcane Harris he had another 'Classic' to give us.

One or two upbeat numbers could have had a large effect on the MOOD of this record, but alas they are not here.

GOOD, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT...
Three Stars.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Strong Country Blues From the Elder Stateman, June 13, 2007

By 

Todd and In Charge (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Empty Rooms (Audio CD)

This is a slower, more pastoral and acoustic entry from the elder stateman. He does a lot of finger pickin' with his top-notch band, and the songs reflect the happier state of mind he was evidently in at the time. "Don't Waste My Time" is a standout, as well as "Don't Pick A Flower."

Mayall's slightly off-pitch singing takes some getting used to, but this is well worth a listen and I am glad they finally re-released it on cd.

5.0 out of 5 stars An intimate, introspective exploration, January 20, 2011

By 

Aliza (Rural New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Empty Rooms (Audio CD)

John Mayall's "Empty Rooms" is profoundly personal, and its autobiographical reach extends to his childhood. "Loading our belongings on a little horse and cart... Mama said that she and Daddy were now apart." On through adolescence and his loneliness at the time of writing these songs.

It remains one of my favorite of his albums, because of his willingness to make himself vulnerable. His voice's lack of training simply adds to the authenticity and accessibility, in my book. Doesn't look like this is available through iTunes. I'd say, take a chance!