Search - John Mayall :: Back to the Roots

Back to the Roots Once Again

Gregory Alonzo | Santa Barbara, USA | 04/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When John Mayall initially started out to make this recording, he didn't realize that he was attempting the near impossible. He traveled the world with master tapes in hand, determined to succeed. What most of his fans didn't realize is that the majority of the musicians were not playing together. In fact, on some of the tracks, the musicians didn't even know each other. Today we are fortunate to hear most of the tracks that Mayall recorded and produced. Together with his long time drummer, Joe Yuele, we can once again appreciate this Herculean task. The list of great tracks is endless. My favorites are "Blue Fox" and the remix of "Boogie Alert." Yet I must admit that the remix of "Home Again" is something of a must. Mayall and Clapton are once again at their creative best. Your Mayall collection is not complete without the addition of "Back to the Roots.""

Mick Taylor's exquisite guitar solo

Greg Munyard | 10/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am going to confine my comments to just one song on this album because it alone justifies the purchase, many times over.



In "Marriage Madness", Mick Taylor plays what is perhaps the most exquisite piece of blues guitar that I have ever heard. The guitar work shows great touch throughout, perfectly complementing John Mayall's distinctive and apt vocals.



"Subtle", "fluid" and "sublime" are words that spring to mind even before the agonisingly beautiful guitar solo that starts at 1 minute into the song and stretches your emotions for another 1 minute 15 seconds or so. Mick Taylor makes the Les Paul cry, and if you allow yourself to be immersed in its gentle wailing it is hard not to be moved, too.



Spoil yourself with this masterpiece which is performed with sheer genius."