John Mayall at 90

One of the earliest and most profound influences on my budding musical tastes was this man. . . as a school boy drawn to the blues masters from the States (I have said elsewhere starting with Josh White, Big Bill Broonzy, Leadbelly et al about 12/13 years old or so)  I also used the earliest albums from John Mayall to boost my knowledge and there was (is?) no-one to touch him still. A special place is reserved in my heart for John! 

Keep on keeping on, maestro!

John Mayall also known as the godfather of British blues. 

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers has been influential as an incubator for British rock and blues musicians. 

He has a career that spans nearly seven decades. At ninety years old, Mayall is one of the oldest active musicians.

 Key To Love (Mayall) . . . bought when it came out . . .somehow on a single! [I think]

so pretty sure this was the B-side and wasn’t aware of [nor had heard of] the guitarist, (Clapton) it was Mayall and that’s all I cared about!

Parchman Farm (Allison)

and of course since . . . . . . . 

Mists of Time

Somewhere in the world

Are friends I've missed from long ago

Could be drifting by the wayside

Or even dead - I just don´t know

And now my memories are fading

...Like melting footprints in the snow

Sometimes a dream will haunt me

And I see a young girl's face

Was she once for real

And did she really share my space

Within the swirling mists of time

It's hard to keep a track of year and place

I thought about my mother

When she was young and on the road

Hanging out with my musicians

Or camping out in forest groves

Like gray mists conceal horizons

I miss those times we'll share no more

So far my life's a journey

And I wouldn't change for anything

All those years of bold adventures

The highs and lows that make me sing

Within the swirling mists of time

Such sweet memories still often ring.

2002-08-26 

John Mayall