Turning Point ; The Second Spring
PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 05/18/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"After the Major Success of the "Turning Point" LP and the FM airplay of "Room To Move", John Mayall had achieved Stardom in the USA at long last. Whilst Touring to Promote "Turning Point" John was planning his next move, that being a Studio LP of New Songs Featuring the Great Musicians: Johnny Almond,Jon Mark and Steve Thompson.
Written and Recorded during 1969, while the tunes, "California" and "Room To Move" were Staples of FM Radio, this new work became "Empty Rooms". John was missing his new favorite place Los Angeles, Ca. and a new Lady in his Life Nancy T. And that shows up in his Writing here, When I first had a listen to this Album in 1970 a friend of mine commented that this Record was a Bummer. Well, it is a bit of a Downer, but THIS IS THE TURNING POINT BAND and for that Mighty Reason Alone it is Worth a Listen.
Again this is a Good Record, But we were all expecting a Great Record to follow "Turning Point". I can not find Fault in these Musicians, they are Top-Notch, and as with the Previous Record the Saxophones and Flutes of Mr. Johnny Almond, are as Good as any Jazz Players of this era. Also of Worth is the Great Bass Player Steve Thompson (Who left Mayall's Band to Hook up with Donovan before these Recordings were Completed).
This Record was another Success for John Mayall, and "Don't Waste My Time" and "Counting The Days" both recieved lots of Plays on the FM. But this Band was to soon Disolve and Jon Mark & Johnny Almond became the very Successful Group: "Mark Almond".And John Mayall rebuilt his Band once again and on the very next release: "USA Union" with a Stronger Bunch of Tunes and the Talents of Fiddler Sugarcane Harris he had another 'Classic' to give us.
One or Two Upbeat numbers could have had a Big Effect on the MOOD of this Record, but alas they are not here.
GOOD, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT..."
Strong Country Blues From the Elder Stateman
Todd and In Charge | Miami, FL | 06/13/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a slower, more pastoral and acoustic entry from the elder stateman. He does a lot of finger pickin' with his top-notch band, and the songs reflect the happier state of mind he was evidently in at the time. "Don't Waste My Time" is a standout, as well as "Don't Pick A Flower."
Mayall's slightly off-pitch singing takes some getting used to, but this is well worth a listen and I am glad they finally re-released it on cd."
Great record with a somber mood
Paul A. Penczek | pearland, tx United States | 09/22/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is another great record from John Mayall. It might be somewhat underappreciated due to somber mood prevailing throughout, but it contains many great songs. My favorite might be To a Princess with dual bass solo (!) by Larry Taylor and Steve Thompson. The record is distinguished by the consistency of the mood, but probably is not for fainthearted. A slight misstep is the opening Don't Waste My Time, which although a great song in its own right does not really fit the atmosphere of the album.
A must for any serious Mayall listener!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
