BUTTERBOY JOHN MAYALL ANTHOLOGY (2010)

John Mayall with Mick Taylor (1968) French TV

John Mayall - So Many Roads, An Anthology 1964-1974 [2010] 

(4 x CDs)

and of course Butterboy has compiled this collection of John Mayall

BB reports

JOHN MAYALL     R.I.P.

John Mayall, a titan in the world of blues and a pivotal figure in British music, departed this world on July 22, 2024, at his residence in California, surrounded by the warmth of his family. He was in his 91st year.

Revered as the “British blues’ patriarch,” Mayall’s impact on the music scene was both deep and extensive. His band, the Bluesbreakers, served as a launchpad for numerous luminaries such as Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Mick Taylor. His relentless dedication to enlightening, inspiring, and captivating audiences through his music has etched an unforgettable legacy in the realms of blues and rock.

Even as health challenges brought an end to his remarkable touring journey, Mayall’s commitment to his artistry never wavered. His significant contributions to music were acknowledged with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, and he was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005.

He is survived by his children, Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak and Samson; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 

Mayall’s enduring legacy will continue to spark creativity and shape the musical journeys of artists for years to come. His family’s heartfelt message encapsulates his enduring spirit: “Keep on playing the blues somewhere, John. We love you”.

John Mayall - So Many Roads, An Anthology 1964-1974 [2010] (4 x CDs)

This is a great box by John Mayall, one of the pioneers of British blues. John Mayall - So Many Roads, An Anthology is a four-disc compilation that covers his career from 1964 to 1974, featuring songs from his various bands and collaborations with legendary musicians like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, and many more. It contains 74 tracks, including singles, album cuts, live recordings, and rare gems. It was released in 2010 by Universal Music and received positive reviews from critics. It’s a definitive collection of Mayall’s work and influence on the blues rock genre.

In 1992, Polydor released two double disc retrospectives of John Mayall's career on the Decca, Deram, and its own imprint. The first, entitled London Blues, covered the years 1964-1969; the second, Room To Move, picked up at the end of 1969 and went through to 1974, his final year with the label before departing for ABC. For those who own those two collections and wonder if 2010's four-disc, So Many Roads: An Anthology 1964-1974 is worth owning, the answer is a qualified "yes." Of course, there is overlap so you may not want to replace them only with this. But this box goes deeper and wider in an aesthtic sense, its track choices are arguably better, and the sense of flow is less fragmented. And of course, the audio is far better here. The previous collections sought to showcase the many dynamic shifts in the evolution of Mayall's approach to blues rather than focusing on its incremental changes. What's portrayed here is more organic and subtle. Certainly, most expected tracks are included, from his first single, "Crawling Up A Hill" and "Mr. James," from '64; and "I'm Your Witchdoctor" b/w "Telephone Blues," (the latter was first 45 by the Eric Clapton-era Bluesbreakers and was produced by Jimmy Page) from 1965. Disc one covers album up to A Hard Road; disc two from that album to 1968's Blues From Laurel Canyon; disc three from 1969's revolutionary The Turning Point through Back To The Roots; and disc four from there through The Latest Edition in 1974. There are many LP cuts obviously, but also live material, compilation tracks and singles -- 74 tracks in total. While some are not obvious choices, virtually all are essential for Mayall enthusiasts. His high standards as a a recording and performing artist, are underscored by his role as mentor to younger talent, Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Aynsley Dunbar, Keef Hartley, Jon Mark, Johnny Almond, Harvey Mandel, Larry Taylor, Steve Winwood and Brad Resnick all passed through his ranks. Also notable are Mayall's collaborations with established jazz and blues artists such as Freddy Robinson, Blue Mitchell, and Fred Jackson. The package also includes an exhaustive and engaging liner essay by Mark Powell, loads of rare photos, and complete discographical information, making it the definitive compilation. (AMG review by Thom Jurek)