John Mayall certifies incredible legacy during 'Final Show' at The Coach House

John Mayall performing in front of a capacity crowd at The Coach House.

Who: John Mayall, Bobby Gray

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Saturday, March 26, 2022

Next: Visit www.TheCoachHouse.com for details on upcoming concerts at the venue

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

In the third and final of his so-called "Final Shows" staged at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Saturday night (March 26, 2022), British blues giant John Mayall performed what is reportedly to be his last-ever concert.

In front of a sold-out and genuinely enthusiastic crowd, the 88-year-old artist delivered a truly memorable 110-minute outing elevated not only by the historic moment but the terrific talents of his amazing band (master guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport).

John Mayall playing his blues harp on March 26, 2022.

Singing, playing the keys and blowing on his blues harp across the night, Mayall played the entire set standing up and seemed to genuinely be savoring the moment (a number of his family members were seated in the audience too), engaged with his band and once again delightfully delivering the British blues stylings he has championed for more than 60 years.

From left, John Mayall deciding which song to play with bassist Greg Rzab and
guitarist-singer Carolyn Wonderland at The Coach House.

As much for his infectious and influential musical brew, Mayall is recognized for his ability to recognize gifted young musicians who launched their own incredible careers as part of his troupe (notably under the moniker John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers launched in the 1960s). Among the notables who are veterans of the Bluesbreakers are Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce (who both went on to form Cream), Peter Green and John McVie (who would later gain acclaim with Fleetwood Mac), Mick Taylor (who would later join The Rolling Stones and shine on their greatest albums), Harvey Mandel (of Canned Heat fame) and guitar heroes Walter Trout and Coco Montoya.

Carolyn Wonderland in action.

From the moment Mayall and his trio launched their set, it was clear they were determined to deliver a rousing set of blues. The opener "Walking on Sunset" featured some terrific interplay between the musicians, notably highlighting the signature guitar work of Wonderland (whose latest album Tempting Fate was released via Alligator Records in October 2021; she is the "first female guitar hero in the label’s storied 50-year history").

The followup — a take on the Otis Rush classic "All Your Loving (I Miss Loving)" — featured some of Mayall's strongest vocals of the night. The enticing track offered more great fret work from Wonderland, who by now already had won over the audience who responded to her solos with big cheers.

The ensemble's focus was on blues-rock, but made a well-aimed jazzy detour on "Parchman Farm." Another early standout featured Wonderland taking over lead vocal duties on a poignant take on Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" showcasing the Texas artist's vocal talents are the equal to her amazing guitar work.

Bassist Greg Rzab at The Coach House.

"Ain't No Guarantees" was noteworthy for the burning solos from both bassist Rzab and drummer Davenport, the '60's flavored blues rocker the perfect forum for those sonic dynamics.

Drummer Jay Davenport behind his kit.

The set's momentum never faltered. Late night selections such as "The Laws Must Change" (featuring Wonderland on lead vocals), "Streamline" (a Bluesbreaker classic), searing "Tears Came Rollin' Down" and 16-minute "California" — the latter bolstered by a myriad of great solos — were pitch perfect.

Before launching into their final track, each of Mayall's bandmates said a few words about their leader. Rzab perhaps summed up the moment best: "Where would we be without this man?"

Mayall and company closed out the historic night with a eight-minute take on "Room to Move," with Mayall launching into the track alone on his harmonica before his trio joined in to bring it all home.

Bobby Gray (seen with his saxophone) and his trio performing at The Coach House
in San Juan Capistrano, CA on March 26, 2022.

Opening the night was Bobby Gray, who backed by a strong trio, performed a 45-minute set of classic rock era favorites with bona fide firepower.

Gray (juggling lead vocals, saxophone, flute and blues harp) and his three-man band delighted with their blistering opener (The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues"), the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin," Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" and the Jimi Hendrix classic "Voodoo Chile." 

John Mayall giving the crowd a "thumbs up" to complete the night.

John Mayall Concert Setlist at The Coach House, Saturday, March 26, 2022

Walking on Sunset

All Your Loving (I Miss Loving)

Parchman Farm

It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

The Sum of Something

The Bear

Ain't No Guarantees

The Laws Must Change

Streamline

Tears Came Rollin' Down

California

Room to Move