Rock the Blues Tonight [Live]

John Mayall | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 5, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 1970
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Do Not Use
• ASIN: B00005Y1MR
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #765,915 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This collection of live performances was recorded in Canada in the early 1970s. Available as an import since 1999, the two-CD set features guitarist Harvey Mandel, bassist Larry Taylor, and violinist Sugarcane Harris, whose improvised flights of fancy are a major reason to pick up this collection. Just about everybody gets extended solos. The set contains 14 tracks, which tells you how long the songs tend to run. While the sound quality isn't the best--according to Mayall's brief liner notes, much of this material started out as bootlegs--there are some excellent moments here, with Mayall giving his musicians free rein to explore uncharted territory. --Genevieve Williams

Product Description

Two disc set, well over two hours long, with 14 previously unreleased live performances from Canada in 1970-71. Musical friends guesting on this blues extravaganza include Harvey Mandell, Freddy Robinson, Sugarcane Harris & Keef Hartley. Mayall selected the tracks himself and wrote the extensive li ner notes, as well as including personal photos for the booklet. Tracks include 'Don't Bring Me Down', 'Crying' and 'Rock The Blues Tonight'. Double slimline jewel case. 1999 release. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Reccomended. Harvey Mandel Fans Rejoice!!, February 27, 2008

By 

Rob Burns "barefootboy" (Collinsville, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock the Blues Tonight (Audio CD)

This little heard live compilation of 3 different Canadian shows is a revelation for Harvey Mandel fans. Harvey gets to stretch out and jam for several songs. For a few songs the band just stops and Harvey continues to wail. This is Fun stuff. The sound is mono and while this doesnt have as much punch as legit live releases of the day it is VERY listenable. What it loses in fidelity it more than makes up in sheer exuberance with Harvey trading licks with his cohort violinist Sugarcane Harris (see Pure Food & Drug Act). Harvey is on all but 3 tracks and even those are worthwhile since they feature jazz trumpeter Blue Mitchell along side Freddie Robinson (of Somebody Lone me a Dime fame) and drummer Keef Hartley. All in all a worthwhile and reasonable (2 disc) package.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Canned Heat alumni, February 3, 2011

By 

Bruce Coryell (Downingtown, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rock The Blues Tonight (Live) (MP3 Download)

First of all, the sound quality of this album is just fine. It's a live album, and in fact, I think it's one of John Mayall's better live albums. I rate it right up there with the 70th birthday concert.

The album is loaded with songs from the USA Union and Back to the Roots albums, so I would say it was recorded sometime around 1971 - 72. Canned Heat alumni (and current members) Larry Taylor and Harvey Mandel are featured on this album, as well as Sugarcane Harris. All of them really lay out with some great jams. Mayall himself collaborated with Canned Heat in the summer of 1968. This is documented in the Blues from Laurel Canyon album.

All in all this is a great blues - rock album.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Sound Quality is awful, April 28, 2005

By 

Blues Power (NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock the Blues Tonight (Audio CD)

Mayall...live.... sounds like a cant miss for a blues fan. MISS THIS ONE. The sound quality is horrible. I cant believe someone would actually put out a CD that sounds this bad. While the playing is fantastic, its terribly hard to enjoy. Only for the sincerest of fans. And even then it will frustrate you as it did me. Buyer beware!!