Three for the Road

John is not hiding behind a guitar player here. His vocals are strong and his often submerged keyboard work is up front. His musical talent shows through. A wonderful collection.

John Mayall a never ending Blue's Great! With Greg Rzab (bass) and Jay Davenport (drums). I'd like too see them do another album together!

Age has not diminished his skills.

Okay

Spectacular album! What a rocking trio and an enthused audience to egg them all on. Buy it for Congo Square and you'll love it for everything else. Interviewed John Mayall in the late 70's/early 80's behind another great album Bottom Line, and this is sublime!

The legend is still putting out excellent music!

good music.

This album was recorded live at two concerts in East Germany in 2017 and features Mayall singing and playing keyboards and harmonica in a trio format with long time bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport. It was produced by John and Eric Corne and includes old Mayall favourites like his own song “Streamline”, Lionel Hampton’s “Riding on the L&N” and an extended version of Sonny Landreth’s “Congo Square”, alongside more modern songs like Curtis Salgado’s jazzy “The Sum Of Something” and old blues like “I Feel So Bad” and Eddie Taylor’s “Big Town Palyboy”.I really liked Mayall’s 2015 album “Find A Way to Care” (also produced by Corne) which concentrated on his keyboard playing – often overlooked in his bands where over the years the attention was often on his various guitarists and obviously this album also has this keyboard playing upfront. However, the rhythm section also play their part in keeping things swinging along nicely, they aren’t flashy letting John have the limelight but backing him all the way. Naturally these versions a very different to John’s previous covers and despite his age he can still deliver vocally while also playing keyboards as well as harp, although I’m not sure that the extended versions of “Tears Came Rolling Down” and “Congo Square” necessarily work on record. Nonetheless this is a worthwhile album which shows that John can still deliver and still has something to say.

I had doubts about the ability of a keys, bass, drums line-up to carry off a full concert without missing a lead guitar break or two. However, in the main John's skills as a pianist just gives the numbers a different edge without detrcting from the overall sound. There are a couple of songs that don't quite work as well (Ridin' on the L & N plods a little), but overall you just find yourself enjoying the music for what it is. Full marks to John for having the bottle to try something different yet again. Bass and drums impeccable throughout as well. Great stuff.

Always a great fan of John and his many outfits so tried this offering. Loads of talent here and has the intimacy of a three piece outfit. Live recording sound is good overall. If I had to find an issue it would be Jay Davenports snare/tom tone. It is relentless throughout this disc with only the last 2 tracks sounding better. I don't think it's the drumming, it's the microphone type/placement probably. Gives a relentless, irritating beat sound resembling a tea chest. As a guitar player this springs out at me, others may not be aware so I suppose it is subjective. The other talent and content is great so all in all a good listen.

An excellent album from a band without a lead guitarist. John's playing on harp, piano etc is excellent as usual, ably supported by Mr Rzab on bass and Mr Davenport on drums. The closer "Congo Square" is particularly wonderful. Highly recommended.

CD arrived promptly and in perfect condition at a good price. Thank you very much!

Once again John does not let us down ,with a great Bass and Drum rythem section backing him he shows his great musicianship ,.One of the best Bluesmen ever