Customer Reviews

Empty Rooms

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

This is another great record from John Mayall. It might be somewhat underappreciated due to somber mood prevailing throughout, but it contains many great songs. My favorite might be To a Princess with dual bass solo (!) by Larry Taylor and Steve Thompson. The record is distinguished by the consistency of the mood, but probably is not for fainthearted. A slight misstep is the opening Don't Waste My Time, which although a great song in its own right does not really fit the atmosphere of the album.
A must for any serious Mayall listener!