Customer Reviews

Jazz Blues Fusion

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had long given up thinking this jewel would ever be released on CD. There is something about this record that just "works". It is a combination of Mayall's legendary ability to gather great talent and an exceptional live performance that really cooks. The "Good Times Boogie" cut is magical in its ability to remove you from reality.

I was quite small when I first heard this album and it made me a blues fan for life. I enjoy all music genres and this is one of my top 10 recordings. I do not tire of playing it and I always wonder what it would have been like to have been at the actual performance when such talent was firing on all cylinders. The album title is a bit misleading, the tracks are mostly blues in rhythm and chord progressions, but with jazz overtones expertly scattered about. This is John Mayall's finest work.

This is an outstanding reissue that deserves a listen by all blues fans. Mayall's legacy may well be assembling and recognizing talent long before those individual's move on to become household names. Here however, Mayall keeps the formula simple by adding the trumpet of Blue Mitchel and Sax of Clifford Solomon with the guitar of Freddy Robinson and the precussion of Ron Selico for some fantastic, ahead of its time, Blues with a Jazz flavor. Stand outs are the Trumpet led "Good Times Boogie" and the jam, "Exercise In C Major For Harmonica" If you missed it the first time around on vinyl, be sure and pick it up on CD. Simply outstanding.

This is a ***** superb album that is a must for any fan of blues or jazz or of jazz blues fusion. It is second as a John Mayall "Jazz Blues fusion" album only to the hard to find John Mayall album "Moving On" (which begs the question: when is this Masterpiece going to be issued on CD?). The most exceptional track on this album in my book is "Change Your Ways", in which John Mayall belts out a lyrical, funky, poetic message to his girlfriend, backed beautifully by sax, trumpets, lead guitar, and his own masterful blues harp.

You can't go wrong when you put this album on when it's time to party; it is impossible to listen to this and not tap, dance or otherwise get movin'. "Country Road" and "Dry throat" contain some of the best jazz/blues you'll ever hear. All the cuts on the album rock. "Mess around" is another great cut. There is one slightly tedious cut which features everyone and lets face it, bass and drum soloes can become a bit "longer than they are". But it is a live performance and that's usually part of a live show; but, for me, that is only a small glitch in this album; it is still one of my favorite Mayall works. Whatever happened to Freddy Robinson? Great guitarist. The horns on this album are also great. Mayall does some of his best harp work too. Having been a musician in an earlier life, I remember times when during a jam or performance that the music is so tight and everyone is so locked in that the volume increases slightly, the energy goes up and the precision is just unbelieveable...you can hear many such moments like that during this performance--and the audience's response is right there. You won't find a live album engineered and performed much better than this...these guys are all great musicians and they had excellent sets those nights. This album just flat out cooks...

John Mayall has had a long history of Brit Blues and skirted the edges of jazz many times. On this album he brings the two genres together with a great lineup of performers:
Mayall: harmonica, guitar and piano
Blue Mitchell: Trumpet
Clifford Solomon and Ernie Watts: Sax
Ron Selico: Percussion
Freddy Robinson: Guitar
and the best for last...Larry Taylor: Bass.

I plead guilty to being a bassist. Taylor is the best in my book and he demonstrates it on this album. Along with Ron Selico they provide an unshakable foundation for the rest of the performers. Taylor's adaptability to many different genres is demonstrated here as he and Mayall slide from the traditional I-IV-V blues patterns to almost free-form jazz.

Each track has its own "personality" as is the case with most of Mayall's albums. Country Road starts with a blues format that combines the British and Chicago styles. Mess Around moves a little closer to R&B and reminds me of Junior Wells Messin' With the Kid. Good Times Boogie's awesome bass line and guitar solo jump right into a jazz format. Change Your Ways has a watermelon flavor; Dry Throat starts out as a slow blues piece but the horns add a definite jazz sound. Mayall blows his brains out with Exercise in C for Harmonica with harp and "mouth percussion" that made Room to Move so interesting and Taylor's bass solo shows off his generally under-rated virtuosity in a pure jazz piece. Finally, Got to be This Way begins with Mayall's signature style of the blues, then adds a jazz component with the horn, guitar and bass solos.

Considering that this album was recorded in 1972, it amazes me with the "maturity" of the music it contains. If you're a traditional 12-bar blues fan, you might not enjoy it as much as some of Mayall's other albums. But if you enjoy great music and performance by some of the best non-mainstream musicians in these genres, then you'll probably love it as much as I do.

I remember bought this record while ago, about 1 year ago before my Pa passed away. He was a biggest fan of john mayall, he had trouble in collecting his record cuz it wasn't sold in Indonesia. and when i told him that i can buy it via internet, he was so happy and we both browsed so many albums and finally bought 5 - 7 records. Not long after he received the package, he passed away. I was shocked and whenever I listen to this album, i always remember my Pa. John mayall's album indeed gave the rest of my pa's life a happiness. I will take care of those albums forever. . .. John Mayall all the best!!

GREAT CD----originally had the album.
Love it when, during a live performance the audience is detirmined to hear their favorites and keep yelling while he is trying to speak or play. John finally says, "What--did ya come here to hear an old record?"
Some fantastic talent on this musical little masterpiece.
Have a listen to some of the tunes on line then go buy it.

I first bought this "album" in the early 70's. No telling whatever happened to it after numerous moves and room mates. I had quite frankly forgotten about it. I have listened to Turning Point many times, in fact wore out a CD if that's possible. I bought it as an add on with Amazon, to get the free shipping. This is truly a classic and with 23 out of 23 reviews a 5* I guess that says it all. You just don't get any better than John Mayall, and this is definitely one of his best.

I first heard a cut from this set over AM radio shortly after its 1972 release. I bought it that same day. Frankly, I don't hear a lot of jazz in these songs, even though fairly well-known jazz artists are featured on guitar, trumpet and sax. To me, it is simply the best vehicle ever devised for John Mayall's brand of British blues. Freddie Robinson on guitar cuts to shreds anything Beck or Clapton ever did (although aficianados of the two latter will probably think his amp is not pumping enough distortion.) Mayall, who has never been accused of being a great vocalist, flat makes his harmonica talk. The audio quality of this live recording is excellent. Finally, I nominate this set's version of "Good Times Boogie," as John Mayall's finest moment.

One of the best jams ever. A must have for any collection unless you're into the sissy music put out by today's look-alike pop groups.