John Mayall - Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton (1966) [ExtraTracks, Remastered 2001]

Rarely has any single record album induced such a shift in popular music. Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton not only catapulted Clapton to the helm of the burgeoning British blues-rock scene, it likewise made significant noise on the other side of the Atlantic – where the blues had literally been born, bred, and buttered. This remastered and revisited edition boasts significantly upgraded sound quality for not only the dozen sides that comprise the original program, but also the bonus tracks. These two additional performances include the A- and B-sides of a rare 45 that Mayall and Clapton cut for producer Mike Vernon's Purdah label nearly a year before recording this disc. Taking a page from the mid-'50s Miles Davis Quintet, it became obvious for those involved that the best way to approach making a studio recording was to document the same material that was concurrently being performed by the band night after night in various London area clubs. In addition to Mayall (guitar/vocals) and Clapton (guitar/vocals), this incarnation of the Bluesbreakers utilizes the talents of John McVie (bass) and Hughie Flint (drums). As a combo, this band was able to reinvent the American blues for a fresh audience whose ultimate response would give rise to subgenres such as heavy metal and other roots-related rock. While their contributions prove immeasurable, they are likewise sadly eclipsed by that of Clapton. In retrospect – unlike many of the other revolutionary changes occurring in pop music circa the mid-'60s – the Bluesbreakers are infinitely more subtle in their attack. Their most obvious weapon is the advantage of documenting in-the-studio material from their live performance set. The Bluesbreakers were able to incorporate originals such as "Double Crossing Time" and "Key to Love" with revered blues standards, including Freddie King's "Hideaway" and Robert Johnson's "Ramblin' on My Mind" – which features Clapton's very first lead vocal. Clapton needed precious little time to gestate the blues. His ability to express himself is uncanny, as if he were a man twice – if not three times – his age. The passionate inflections and unforgettable impressions Clapton makes upon these grooves swiftly catapulted him into both international exposure as well as legendary guitar rock idol status. Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton is an invaluable touchstone into primordial pre-metal rock & roll.

Track listing

1. "All Your Love" (Willie Dixon/Otis Rush) – 3:36
2. "Hideaway" (Freddie King/Sonny Thompson) – 3:17
3. "Little Girl" (Mayall) – 2:37
4. "Another Man" (Mayall) – 1:45
5. "Double Crossing Time" (Clapton/Mayall) – 3:04
6. "What'd I Say" – (Ray Charles) – 4:29
7. "Key to Love" (Mayall) – 2:09
8. "Parchman Farm" (Mose Allison) – 2:24
9. "Have You Heard" (Mayall) – 5:56
10. "Ramblin' on My Mind" (Robert Johnson/Traditional) – 3:10
11. "Steppin' Out" (James Bracken) – 2:30
12. "It Ain't Right" (Little Walter) – 2:42

2001 reissue

This release added two bonus tracks from a single:

13. "Lonely Years" (Mayall) – 3:21
14. "Bernard Jenkins" (Clapton) – 3:48



Personnel

* John Mayall - Lead Vocals, Hammond, Guitar, Harmonica
* Eric Clapton - Lead/Backing Vocals, Lead Guitar
* John McVie - Bass Guitar
* Hughie Flint - Drums
* Gus Dudgeon - sound engineer
* Mike Vernon - producer