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

Titans of the Blues thrill at The Coach House

Singer-Guitarist Coco Montoya and singer-guitarist Tinsley Ellis
performing together at The Coach House on March 1, 2019.

Titans of the Blues Tour
Who: Coco Montoya, Tinsley Ellis
Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
When: Friday, March 1, 2019
Information: https://www.cocomontoyaband.com/ and http://www.tinsleyellis.com/

Coco Montoya on March 1, 2019.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Tinsley Ellis at The Coach House on
March 1, 2019.

One of this writer's favorite concerts of 2018 was a headlining turn from Atlanta, GA-based singer-songwriter/guitarist Tinsley Ellis, who performed a terrific and memorable concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Feb. 28, 2018 (Read a review of that show here). 

Fast forward a year and a day later and Ellis was once again appearing at the venerable venue, this time appearing with legendary singer-songwriter/guitar great Coco Montoya on the duo's Titans of the Blues Tour. Needless to say (but I'll go ahead and say it anyway), I was determined to catch Ellis again on March 1. What a bonus that this night afforded seeing two blues legends together, each performing full-length sets and playing a trio of lengthy songs together to end the long night.

Ellis and his backing band (a bassist and drummer) performed a stellar 75-minute set of Southern-fried blues-rock, with the 61-year-old kicking off his turn by showcasing excellent tracks off his latest album (2018's Winning Hand). Ellis is an especially impressive guitarist whose ability to blend speed, expression and tone draws comparisons with greats ranging from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Eric Clapton. Those talents were showcased on the inviting opener "Sound of a Broken Man," Ellis' smooth guitar playing and top-tier vocals thrilling the crowd of 500 on hand.

Tinsley Ellis on March 1, 2019.

Other standout tracks performed by Ellis during his set was the blues ballad "Saving Grace," the Texas blues-styled sing-along "To the Devil For a Dime," tender "A Quitter Never Wins," and playful rocker "Double Eyed Whammy." 

Bringing chills was "The Last Song" bolstered by Ellis' emotional vocals and an extended guitar solo that served as the segue when the song grew from a ballad to a stronger Chicago blues burner, the power and force of guitar work burgeoning to a shimmering roar. Many in the crowd immediately got to their feet and gave Ellis a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the cut.

Montoya, who came to fame as a member of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers in the 1980s, used his 80-minute set to showcase his own unique style of blues, built equally around his unique style of guitar, R&B vocals and as a gifted band leader able to share the spotlight with members of his three-man troupe.

Coco Montoya, far left, and his terrific trio at The Coach House.

Among the definitive moments in his set was the performance of a new song "Stop Running" (slated to be on a future release). The song itself was strong, enhanced by Montoya's solid baritone vocals and signature guitar work. For sheer blues-rock fun, the pedal-to-the-metal "Hard As Hell" allowed Montoya to unleash some of his most fiery guitar play of the night.

The lengthy encore allowed Ellis and Montoya to perform together, with the two guitarists trading licks and sharing an obvious joy of making music with the enthusiastic crowd. "Gotta Mind to Travel" is an fun and joyful Chicago blues-styled cut that launched the end of the night, both artists immersed in an 11-minute version that sped by courtesy of the musicians' collective skills and passion. The Mayall & Bluesbreakers classic "Have You Heard" ended the night on a powerful note with hopes this writer will get to catch both artists appearing together on stage together again.

Long-time friends, Montoya and Ellis' Titans of the Blues Tour marks the two artists' first-ever tour together. It is simply not to be missed for blues fans. The tour has just started and there are plenty of upcoming stops across the U.S. where music lovers can catch Montoya and Ellis in action.


Editor's Note: You can read a review of Robert Kinsler's review of 2013's Blues at the Crossroads 2 featuring Ellis, singer-harmonica great Kim Wilson and the late James Cotton here. The review also includes photography by Bob Steshetz.

New Music: Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo', John Mellencamp with Carlene Carter, Ozomatli, Coco Montoya, Cait Brennan

Several much-anticipated collaborations are among essential new releases available now.

Artist: Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'
Title: TajMo (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Blues lovers are more than familiar with multiple Grammy winners Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'. Now the two beloved artists have joined forces on TajMo, an album that more than delivers on the promise of music's latest dream team. From the album's first track, the uptempo Chicago blues-styled "Don't Leave Me Here," it's clear there is a joyous and infectious spirit across the collaboration. Both artists have terrific voices, and those voices blend together perfectly. "Don't Leave Me Here" is only one of a number of original songs on the disc; the Memphis soul-worthy "All Around the World" is a buoyant delight, and the lush ballad "Om Sweet Om" (featuring Lizz Wright) is an aptly-pegged celebration of home with famed Lee Oskar (of WAR fame) adding some magical harmonica work. There are also surefire surprises; a take on the Pete Townshend-penned Who classic "Squeeze Box" features a playful vocal exchange between the two greats while Joe Walsh adds electric guitar. A disc-ending entry features Mahal and Keb' Mo' joining forces with Bonnie Raitt for an acoustic-flavored interpretation of the timely "Waiting on the World to Change" that outdistances John Mayer's original version released in July 2006. Information: TajMo.com.

Artist: John Mellencamp featuring Carlene Carter
Title: Sad Clowns & Hillbillies (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Mellencamp, Carlene Carter, Martina McBride, Woody Guthrie
Tell me more: The 23rd album of John Mellencamp's illustrious career, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies finds the singer-songwriter teaming with songstress Carlene Carter (the daughter of the late June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash) for a 13-track journey that is one of the richest roots rock-meets-Americana collections in memory. The musical tapestry shimmers and dances with a lush mix of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, harmonica and fiddle, while Mellencamp's increasingly-rustic baritone is the perfect counterpoint to Carter's sweet soprano as well as singer Martina McBride's notable contribution on "Grandview" and a chorus of other backing singers utilized at perfect points along the way (notably at the end of "What Kind of Man Am I?"). The songs themselves work in this time or for anytime with spiritual, social justrice and romantic themes explored in nuanced ways. I'm pretty certain that time will prove that Sad Clowns & Hillbillies one of the truly great albums of 2017. Information: mellencamp.com.

Artist: Cait Brennan
Title: Third (Omnivore Records)
You might like if you enjoy: David Bowie, Big Star, Todd Rundgren
Tell me more: Defying easy categorization, singer-songwriter Cait Brennan's Third is an album that delves into a number of styles and the artist's diverse influences with aplomb. The follow-up to Brennan's 2016 acclaimed full-length debut Debutante, Third was recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis and utilized many of the actual instruments used by legendary power pop pioneers Big Star during their legendary '70s sessions. The tuneful melodic rock gem "He Knows Too Much," alluring ballad "At the End of the World" withs its blend of Brennan's high-reaching vocals and great lead guitar from creative partner Fernando Perdomo, the sublime glam rock-fueled "Benedict Cumberbatch" and all-out catchy rocker "The Angels Lie" are all standouts on this compelling release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Coco Montoya
Title: Hard Truth (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
Tell me more: Coco Montoya's latest album Hard Truth rates right up there with the best of his long and celebrated career. The disc opens with the fiery blues-rocker "Before the Bullets Fly," featuring the Southern California native's powerful lead guitar work and great vocals. Other songs showcase Montoya's strengths to blend soul, gospel, R&B and even shades of swing into his potent approach, his masterful guitar playing always front and center. The Texas-minded "Lost in the Bottle" features slide guitar virtuoso Lee Roy Parnell swapping dazzling fretwork with Montoya. Because Montoya possesses such a first-rate voice, he kills on ballads too (as evidenced by the stellar "Old Habits Are Hard to Break" and Delta blues-mining "Devil Don't Sleep"). One of Montoya's true gifts is his sound and instinctive strengths will appeal to fans of both electric blues and classic rock; tracks such as "Hard As Hell" and " 'Bout to Make Me Leave Home" recall many of the great blues-rooted rockers of the '70s (Bad Company, Humble Pie, Ten Years After). Montoya will headline at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on June 2, 2017. Information: CocoMontoyaBand.com.

Artist: Ozomatli
Title: Non-Stop Mexico – Jamaica (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Sly & Robbie, Herb Alpert, Juanes
Tell me more: Although groundbreaking Los Angeles group Ozomatli is well known for being a champion for Latino culture and fighting for immigrant workers' rights, the group's Non-Stop Mexico – Jamaica is their first mostly-Spanish language release in their ambitious 21-year history. The album was produced by drum and bass reggae icons Sly & Robbie (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff), and the six-member Ozomatli is joined by the far-flung likes of Gaby Moreno, Juanes, G. Love, Slightly Stoopid and Herb Alpert to perform reggae-flavored favorites of their youth. As Ozomatli proves across the rewarding 14-track disc, reggae stylings sound as great in their sonic hands as the Latin rock, hip hop, funk and other genres explored on previous albums. Among this writer's favorites is a smooth version of "Besame Mucho" blending melodic lead vocals from Asdru Sierra and rapping from Justin Poree with Alpert's trumpet. Later, Ozomatli transforms the classic "La Bamba" into a Santana-meets-Third World celebration. Ozomatli will be the musical guest on the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" radio show broadcast on KCRW-FM on May 31. Information: ozomatli.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Valentine's Day, Phil Collins, Walter Trout

With today being Valentine's Day, I wanted to kick off this post with an interesting update I received from Facebook about music listened to by those getting in or out of love. Kind of fun. Also, there is big news for fans of singer-songwriter-drummer Phil Collins and blues great Walter Trout.

FACEBOOK CHRONICLES THE LOOK (AND SOUNDS) OF LOVE WITH TIMELY PLAYLISTS

Jason Derulo is popular among lovebirds on Facebook with two songs in the top 10 on the “In a relationship” playlist, including his hit "Don't Wanna Go Home" coming in at #1 and "It Girl" at #6. On the other hand, people prefer Drake when breaking up. The hip-hop star has two songs on the break-up playlist, including “Take Care” and "Crew Love." Bruno Mars has a universal appeal with “Just the Way You Are” on the love playlist and “It Will Rain” on the breakup list.

"The Cave" by Mumford and Sons, "All of the Lights" by Kanye West and "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele are also frequently listened to songs when ending a relationship. Those three tunes are also nominated for Song of the Year at the GRAMMY Awards last Sunday! Another fun fact is that people tend to listen to fewer songs when they enter relationships than when they end them.

Most listened to songs by people after changing their status to 'In a relationship':
1. Don't Wanna Go Home by Jason Derulo
2. Love On Top by Beyoncé
3. How to Love by Lil Wayne
4. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
5. Good feeling by Flo Rida
6. It Girl by Jason Derulo
7. Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes feat Adam Levine
8. Criminal by Britney Spears
9. No Sleep by Wiz Khalifa
10. Free Fallin' by John Mayer

Most listened to songs by people after changing their status to “Single”:
1. The Cave by Mumford and Sons
2. Crew Love by Drake
3. All of the Lights by Kanye West
4. Rolling in the Deep by Adele
5. Take Care by Drake
6. It Will Rain by Bruno Mars
7. We Found Love by Rihanna & Calvin Harris
8. Call It What You Want by Foster the People
9. Love You Like a Love Song by Selena Gomez and the Scene
10. Without You by David Guetta featuring Usher


For more information & To Link:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-data-team/lovebirds-or-heartbreak-top-valentines-day-playlists-on-facebook/10150560271528859

Facebook love mix:
http://open.spotify.com/user/slycoder/playlist/2SSUnGaPl8YtWFNYrPYHg1

Facebook breakup mix:
http://open.spotify.com/user/slycoder/playlist/4yXygxW4AtM722kquUikD0


PHIL COLLINS IS LIVE AT MONTREUX 2004


Eagle Rock Entertainment To Release Blu-Ray Concert Spectacular On March 27

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Phil Collins Live At Montreux 2004 on Blu-ray. This marks the first time Phil Collins can be experienced in high-def performing every single one of his major hits live in concert.

The 25-song, 231-minute blockbuster features the celebrated drummer-turned-frontman singing the hits from his long and storied solo career. "In The Air Tonight," "Sussudio," "Two Hearts," "Take Me Home," and many others are prominently on display in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1 and LPCM Stereo, and the high-definition of the Blu-Ray visual.


As a bonus, 13 songs from his 1996 Montreux appearance (filmed in standard definition) are included, performed by the Phil Collins Big Band. The rarely seen big band material, with a special guest appearance by Tony Bennett, completes the Live at Montreux 2004 disc, showcasing the breadth of musical genres that Phil Collins has perfected.


Previous Phil Collins titles from Eagle Rock Entertainment include Going Back: Live At Roseland Ballroom, NYC (DVD and Blu-Ray) and Classic Albums: Face Value (DVD).


Track Listing:

2004 Set List:

1) Drum Thing

2) Something Happened On The Way To Heaven

3) Against All Odds

4) Don't Lose My Number

5) You'll Be In My Heart

6) One More Night

7) Can't Stop Lovin' You

8) Hang In Long Enough

9) True Colours

10) Come With Me

11) A Groovy Kind Of Love

12) I Missed Again

13) Another Day In Paradise

14) No Way Out

15) Separate Lives

16) In The Air Tonight

17) Dance Into The Light

18) You Can't Hurry Love

19) Two Hearts

20) Wear My Hat

21) Easy Lover

22) Sussudio

23) It's Not Too Late

24) Drums Again

25) Take Me Home



1994 Set List:

1) Two Hearts

2) That's All

3) In The Air Tonight

4) Invisible Touch

5) West Side

6) Against All Odds

7) Hand In Hand

8) There'll Be Some Changes Made (featuring Tony Bennett)

9) Milestones

10) Los Endos

11) Always

12) Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me

13) Sussudio





WALTER TROUT RETURNS WITH BLUES FOR THE MODERN DAZE VIA THE MASCOT LABEL GROUP ON APRIL 24, 2012

FIRST 35 DATES OF MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ANNOUNCED
Trout Hits The Road On February 25 In Regina, SK

The Mascot Label Group has announced an April 24 release date for Walter Trout's 21st album Blues For The Modern Daze. The offering displays the contemporary guitar legend returning to his hard-core blues roots, with songwriting at a creative and personal zenith. Blues For The Modern Daze is Trout’s sixth recording for Provogue Records, a division of the Mascot Label Group, and his first pure blues album in 23 years as a bandleader.

Trout’s practical schooling in blues started when he arrived in Los Angeles in 1973 and got gigs behind Hooker, Big Mama Thornton, Finis Tasby, Pee Wee Crayton, Lowell Fulsom, Percy Mayfield and Joe Tex. In 1981 he joined the remaining original members of Canned Heat. But the real turning point was his tenure with British blues giant John Mayall. Trout became part of the Bluesbreakers’ lineage of great guitarists along with Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor. Beginning in 1984 he shared six-string duties with Coco Montoya in Mayall’s band, creating a flexible guitar dynamic that helped provide the Bluesbreakers a renaissance that returned the group to the apex of the international blues touring circuit. Trout began leading his own group in 1989 and cut his debut album Life In the Jungle, rapidly becoming a star in Europe. His first Stateside release, 1998's critically heralded Walter Trout, made him start down the road towards becoming the fixture of the American blues-rock scene that he is today.

Trout's travels over the past 39 years, and his wide appreciation of his predecessors, yield a significant influence to Blues For The Modern Daze. Trout shares, "My main inspiration for this album was the country bluesman Blind Willie Johnson, an early blues innovator who recorded such timeless gospel informed blues numbers as 'Soul of a Man' and 'Nobody’s Fault But Mine.' His music is so beautiful, primal, direct and deeply spiritual that I wanted to feel it at my back when we were cutting these songs.” He continues, "This album captures my interest in exploring a side of my music that’s rooted in my first musical love, and it reveals something about me too. It sums up the thoughts and attitudes of somebody who is getting a little older and is feeling a little like he’s a part of another era, with different values and a different perspective on life than often seem to be prevalent today. And I stand behind those values, like compassion, authenticity and honesty, as strongly as I stand behind my music.”

Blues for the Modern Daze was recorded at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood, California, with Trout and engineer Eric Corne producing. It’s the fifth time Trout has collaborated with Corne, who contributed to the arrangements and sonic palette of the songs that Trout wrote and demoed on acoustic guitar during the year before the sessions.

Trout returns to the road in the U.S. on April 25th in Solana Beach, CA. Confirmed appearances include:
2/25 Regina, SK (Canada) Mid-Winter Blues Festival @ Casino Regina
4/25 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
4/26 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Casino
4/27 Santa Ana, CA The Observatory
4/28 Simi Valley, CA Simi Valley Blues Festival
5/09 Collinsville, CT Bridge Street Live
5/10 Bethlehem, PA River Jazz Festival @ Musikfest Café
5/11 Shirley, MA Bull Run
5/12 Stanhope, NJ Stanhope House
5/14 Buffalo, NY The Tralf
5/16 Fall River, MA Narrows Center for the Arts
5/18 New York, NY Iridium Jazz Club
5/19 New York, NY Iridium Jazz Club
5/20 New York, NY Iridium Jazz Club
5/21 New York, NY Iridium Jazz Club
5/23 Charlotte, NC Double Door Inn
5/24 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
5/25 Atlanta, GA Smith’s Olde Bar
5/26 Biloxi, MS MS Gulf Coast Music, Art, Craft & Seafood Festival
5/27 Biloxi, MS MS Gulf Coast Music, Art, Craft & Seafood Festival
6/02 Hagerstown, MD Western Maryland Blues Festival
6/06 Davenport, IA Redstone Room
6/07 Milwaukee, WI Shank Hall
6/08 Canton, OH Canton Blues Festival
6/09 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave’s Blues Festival
6/10 Des Moines, IA House of Bricks
6/12 Lincoln, NE Zoo Bar
6/13 Kansas City, MO Knucklehead’s Saloon
6/14 St. Louis, MO Old Rock House
6/15 Chicago, IL House of Blues
6/16 Henderson, KY WC Handy Blues Festival
6/30 Silverado, CA Irvine Lake Blues Festival
8/12 Duluth, MN Bayfront Blues Festival
8/26 Marshfield, MA North River Blues Festival
9/01 Laramie, WY Snowy Range Music Festival