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

Recent Reissues: John Kay & Steppenwolf, NRBQ, Justin Hinds, 6 String Drag

Past glories are rightfully celebrated and revisited on new reissues featuring John Kay & Steppenwolf, NRBQ, Justin Hinds and 6 String Drag.

Artist: John Kay & Steppenwolf
Title: Steppenwolf At 50 (Rainman)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Steppenwolf
Tell me more: Fifty years after forming in Hollywood, CA, John Kay & Steppenwolf's enduring legacy is celebrated on the aptly-released Steppenwolf At 50. With its rewarding mix of blues, classic rock, roots, hard rock and alt country, the group's expansive three-disc audio set is bolstered by a mix of alternate takes, live cuts and previously-unreleased gems. An alternate cut of "From Here To There Eventually" (recorded in 1969), the previously-unheard acid rocker "Angel Drawers," traditional take on Hank Williams' "You Win Again," the blistering blues rocker "Straight Shootin' Woman" (featuring some killer guitar work from Bobby Cochran) and synth-anchored cover of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up" from 1982 are standouts on the first disc. Singer-songwriter/guitarist John Kay has always been able to infuse evolving styles into Steppenwolf's sonic brew, as evidenced by the commercial rock sound of 1987's "Rock & Roll Rebels" and "Give Me Life," as well as the literate approach on the quest for freedom via 1990's Berlin Wall-themed "The Wall" and probing "Rock & Roll War" showcased on disc two. The third disc features 13 tracks featured on the troupe's 1995 release "Live at 25." The performances sizzle with power; the blues rocker "Move Over," the outlaw countrified version of Hank Snow's "I'm Moving  On," Chicago blues-meets-rock attack of Willie Dixon's "I'm Your Hootchie Cootchie Man" and rousing takes on Steppenwolf's biggest hits ("Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born to be Wild") are among the highlights. In addition to all the terrific music, the booklet provides details on each of the tracks and liner notes penned by John Kay. Information: www.rainmanrecords.com.

Artist: NRBQ
Title: NRBQ (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Frank Zappa
Tell me more: It's hard to imagine a more eclectic debut album than the 1969 effort from Louisville, Kentucky-spawned New Rhythm and Blues Quintet – better known as NRBQ. The newly-issued and remastered reissue of the 49-year-old album also marks the first ever reissue of the title; NRBQ is available for the first time on audio CD, as well as via Digital and as a gatefold vinyl LP. An album that was essentially recorded live, all of the versions on NRBQ are first takes emblazoned on 12-track at The Record Plant by producer Eddie Kramer in December 1968. The range of the material is dizzying; the driving opener "C'mon Everybody" twists Eddie Cochran's approach in all the right places, including the shouting vocals and freewheeling rock 'n' roll attack. Later, the art damage take on Sun Ra's "Rocket #9," an alt-country "Fergie's Prayer," the racing New Orleans rocker "Mama Get Down Those Rock and Roll Shoes," and a countrified harmonica-adorned reworking of the 1962 Bruce Channel hit "Hey! Baby" highlight the group's eclectic approach and virtuoso chops. NRBQ continues to thrive and is set to tour the U.S. and overseas in 2018. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
Title: Travel With Love (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
Tell me more: Originally released in 1984, Omnivore Recordings' new reissue of Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' Travel With Love features the original eight-track LP and 10 bonus tracks. The voices of Hinds and the Dominoes (backing vocalists Dennis Sinclair and Junior Dixon) blend in polished perfection on a collection of laid-back and positive-minded reggae songs. The melodic "Get Ready Rock Steady," wistful "Miss Wendell" and musically dynamic-and-lyrically insightful "In The Jungle" are among the strong original songs penned by Hinds featured on "Travel With Love." Particularly powerful is "The Rainbow," a beautiful track enhanced by the work of a nuanced horn section. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Justin Hinds
Title: Know Jah Better (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Justin Hinds, reggae music
Tell me more: Released in 1992, Know Jah Better finds Hinds bringing newer sounds into the blend of ska and reggae styles he helped pioneer and explore earlier in his career, now tapping into the Jamaican dancehall scene for what would be his final full-length studio album. The standouts on this disc include the intoxicating "Want More," the spirited title track, catchy "No Place Like Home" and "Picking Up Chips." Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: 6 String Drag
Title: High Hat (Schoolkids Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Son Volt, the Jayhawks
Tell me more: Alt-country rockers 6 String Drag emerged from Raleigh, North Carolina in 1993, helping create a new sound and style along with Texas' Old 97's, Minnesota's Jayhawks and Georgia's Drive-By Truckers that is essentially the blueprint for a slew of modern-day Americana groups. In January 2018, Schoolkids Records (formerly Second Motion) issued a 20th Anniversary Reissue of the band's 1997 disc High Hat. Produced by Steve Earle, the LP's songs sound as great as ever and retain the bite of a contemporary release. Singer Kenny Roby's emotive delivery of the songs is the icing on the sonic cake; the arrangements across the 15 tracks impress at every turn. The anthemic "Bottle of Blues," pretty "Elaine" and freewheeling  "Gasoline Maybelline" are early nuggets on the LP. "Cold Steel Brace" is mostly sparse and evocative, but has an explosive section that adds just the right amount of powder.  The jangly rocker "Ghost," Dixieland-flavored "Over & Over" and bonus track "Lorene" (the latter a cover of the Louvin Brothers classic) are among the other essentials on a fantastic release. In addition to being re-released on audio CD and on most digital formats, High Hat is also available for the first time on vinyl. Information: www.SchoolKidsRecords.com.



Robert Kinsler

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame sets announcement date for 2017 Inductees

The Zombies are among the legendary artists
nominated to be inducted into the Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame.

There are a number of strong nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2017. Now comes word the list of actual Inductees will be announced next week. Here is the official media release from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame...

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to announce 2017 Inductees on December 20

Announcement will be made live on SiriusXM’s VOLUME morning show

CLEVELAND (Dec. 14, 2016) – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will unveil the 2017 Inductees during a live broadcast on SiriusXM’s VOLUME, the all-talk channel dedicated to the discussion of music.

Jeff Lynne of Electric Light
Orchestra.

The Inductees will be announced on Tuesday, December 20 at 8 a.m. ET, by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation CEO Joel Peresman live on Feedback, the morning talk-show hosted by Nik Carter and Lori Majewski, on SiriusXM’s VOLUME channel 106.

The nominees for 2017 Induction are: Bad Brains, Chaka Khan, Chic, Depeche Mode, Electric Light Orchestra, J. Geils Band, Jane’s Addiction, Janet Jackson, Joan Baez, Joe Tex, Journey, Kraftwerk, MC5, Pearl Jam, Steppenwolf, The Cars, The Zombies, Tupac Shakur and Yes.

Fans can continue to officially cast their vote for the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees at rockhall.com through Thursday, December 15, 2016. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a ‘fans’ ballot’ that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2017 Inductees.

The 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, will take place in April 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York for the third time. Ticket information will also be announced on December 20. The Ceremony will once again have its television premiere on HBO, and a radio broadcast on SiriusXM. Broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

Pearl Jam is among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
nominees.

All Inductees are ultimately represented in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the nonprofit organization that tells the story of rock and roll’s global impact via special exhibits, educational programs and its library and archives.

Klipsch Audio, a leading global speaker and headphone manufacturer, is a strategic partner and presenting sponsor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, its Induction Ceremony events and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Main Stage. Klipsch’s renowned products deliver the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience throughout the iconic museum.

Follow the Rock Hall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and join the conversation using #RockHall2017.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear and simple: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions of other people who love it as much as you do. It’s a celebration of fans like you. Experience it live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Long Live Rock!

Inbox Update: Davy Jones, The Zombies, The Association and more featured on 'My Music' special this weekend

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah everybody! I had hoped to post this earlier today but the day got away from me. Here is a media release of interest to fans of '60s rock…

MY MUSIC: THE BEST OF THE '60s Premieres Nationwide on PBS Starting November 30 (check local listings)

The Biggest Hits of the Hippest Decade!

The late Davy Jones of The Monkees performs on
 MY MUSIC: BEST OF THE '60s

The MY MUSIC series has been preserving the greatest songs of the 1960s on PBS for a dozen years and now presents THE BEST OF THE '60s, a special of original hits from the sounds of pop, rock, folk and and soul – covering the British Invasion to Motown. This new program is hosted by WJRZ-FM/WJRZ.com radio personality TJ Lubinsky. Relive the peace, protest and love of this pivotal era in MY MUSIC: THE BEST OF THE '60s premiering on PBS stations starting November 30 (check local listings).  

Among the hits featured are Cherish by The Association, Time of The Season by The Zombies and Born To Be Wild by John Kay & Steppenwolf. Also seen are final performances by Rob Grill of The Grass Roots (Let's Live For Today) and Scott McKenzie's Summer of Love anthem anthem San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair). The special closes with a segment devoted to the late Davy Jones of The Monkees in his last television concert singing favorites such as Daydream Believer.

Davy Jones photo credit: PRNewsFoto/TJL Productions