John Mayall - A Special Life

As 2013 came to a close and with his recent 80th birthday celebrations passed, the godfather of British blues quietly entered a North Hollywood Studio with his band, special guest C.J. Chenier and co-producer/engineer Eric Corne. He walked out with one of the finest and most personal records of his career, A Special Life. This new album serves as further testament to John's boundless talent, vitality and ever-dynamic personality. Along with his accomplished band, he goes back to his roots with an eclectic album centered in the blues but with diversions into rock and Americana.There are three new songs penned by John and one from band members Greg Rzab and Rocky Athas, as well as blues favorites from some of the greats, including Albert King and Jimmy Rogers. C.J. Chenier came to join the party on a couple of tracks (including one written by his father), adding an exciting extra dimension with his vocals and accordion.The big eight-o's arrival finds Mayall in remarkably fresh form -Classic RockA superb album from the pioneering Mayall The BeatHe's still wailing in the strangulated voice of 50 years back, still blows a useful harp, still leads a fine band, whose guitarist Rocky Athos, recalls the young Eric Clapton. -UncutThe veteran bluesman turned 80 last year, but shows no sign of slowing down with this spritely set.- Scottish Daily ExpressThe band tear through a clutch of Mayall originals and breathe new fire into some Chicago classics with Rocky Athos's hard nose Texas guitar.-Guitar & BassOne of his finest albums in a recording career that dates back to 1965's 'Plays John Mayall'.- The Blues MagazineIt's perhaps unfair to bang on about John Mayall being eighty years old because 'A Special Life' would have been an excellent album if he had recorded it at any stage in his career. -R2