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

Concert Review: John Mayall, Walter Trout thrill blues rock fans at The Coach House

 

John Mayall at The
Coach House.

Who: Walter Trout, John Mayall

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Friday, Dec. 10, 2021

Next: John Mayall is performing a series of "Final Shows" including a trio of forthcoming Saturday night concerts at The Coach House on Jan. 29, Feb. 26 and March 26, 2022. Visit www.TheCoachHouse.com to secure tickets for any of these dates.

Information on upcoming Walter Trout concert dates: https://www.waltertrout.com/tour-dates

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

John Mayall behind his keyboards at The Coach House.

Two blues rock giants shared the bill at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday night, bringing a true celebration of the enduring genre to an enthusiastic and packed house.

John Mayall performed a full-length set before Orange County's own Walter Trout took the stage to cap the night. 

From left, Greg Rzab, Jay Davenport, John Mayall and Carolyn Wonderland.

Mayall, who celebrated his 88th birthday last month but looks considerably younger, has a long legacy of recruiting top-tier players who enhance his recordings and live performances. Guitarists Eric Clapton, Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac), Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones) and the aforementioned Trout all got their first major taste of international fame performing with Mayall. Indeed, as great as Mayall's talents as singer and keyboardist were on Friday night, the collective power of drummer Jay Davenport, bassist Greg Rzab and guitarist Carolyn Wonderland brought additional firepower to the 80-minute outing.

Guitarist Carolyn Wonderland impressing
the crowd throughout the night.

The opening cut — a rollicking cover of Curtis Salgado's "The Sum of Something" — immediately thrust the crowd into Mayall's time-honed British blues rock sound. The eight-minute foray featured Mayall's work on the keyboards and a long dramatic guitar solo from Wonderland; Rzab and Davenport were razor sharp with their rhythm section work.

Other early highlights of Mayall's set included the dance floor-ready jaunt "Movin' Groovin' Blues" (with Wonderland getting a huge ovation at the end of her tasty and artful lead guitar solo), a Louisiana soaked take on Clifton Chenier's "Why Did You Go Last Night" (featuring Mayall and Wonderland on tandem vocals) and a rousing cover of Blind Willie Johnson's "It's Nobody's Fault but Mine" featuring Wonderland on lead vocals.

Late set standouts included an inspired reading of the Lionel Hampton classic "Ridin' on the L & N," the ambitious marathon-length "California" complete with dazzling solo turns for all four musicians and the blasting British blues rocker "Ain't No Guarantees."

Guitarist Walter Trout headlining at The Coach House on Dec. 10, 2021.

Trout, 70, was obviously thrilled to be performing back before a hometown crowd (he lives in nearby Huntington Beach) and delivered a powerful 90-minute set anchored by songs pulled from his winning albums that have been issued since he received a second lease on life via a successful liver transplant in May 2014.

From left, Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis, Walter Trout, Johnny Griparic and
Mike Leasure performing at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

As outstanding as Trout's virtuoso guitar work, poignant lead vocals and confessional original songs are on his albums, he is even more impressive in concert. That was clear across his 11-song set at The Coach House. After taking the stage at 10 p.m., Trout and his terrific band (keyboardist-harmonica player Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis, drummer Mike Leasure and bassist Johnny Griparic) tore into "I Can Tell" introduced by a flat-out amazing guitar solo. 

Before performing his second selection "Walkin' In The Rain," Trout took time and noted "We are so happy to be down here tonight...It's good to be home." He then acknowledged Mayall's profound impact on his life and career: "He is my mentor...he is my musical father. I love you John."

Walter Trout, left, with Johnny Griparic in San Juan
Capistrano.

While "Walkin' In The Rain" is a slower Chicago blues-styled cut, Trout's guitar work erupted with power and emotion. The dreamy blues rocker "Wanna Dance" followed and was one of the most poignant cuts of the night, Trout's nuanced baritone vocals were the equal to the probing lyrics and his otherworldly fret work.

Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis at The Coach House.

Other early set cuts that connected powerfully included the soulful blues track "All Out Of Tears," the blistering "Got A Broken Heart" (featuring Trout's guitar dueling with Andreadis' organ), the arching "My Foolish Pride" and soul-stirring "Almost Gone" (the latter a song that chronicles his near death experience from liver disease featured on 2015's acclaimed Battle Scars).

Drummer Mike Leasure in the zone.

Trout's set maintained its mighty momentum throughout, with late set favorites including the rollicking blues rocker "We're All In This Together," a anthemic cover of Floyd Lee's "Red Sun," an affecting run through of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" and the night-ending Chuck Berry-on-steroids styled run through William Harris' "Bullfrog Blues."

"Thank you," Trout said after the final note was played. "Good night. God bless you."

A night to remember for sure.

Audrey Anne Gelb at The Coach
House on Dec. 10, 2021.

Opening the night was a 40-minute set from Orange County native / singer-songwriter Audrey Anne Gelb, who performed a mix of original songs including sparse covers of hits originally released by Stevie Wonder, Adele and more.