John Mayall - Tough

Bus pass to the blues? Make that pensioner power!

The grand old age of 76 is no time to be wife (or band) swapping. John Mayall, however, has indeed ditched his Bluesbreakers and the result is this extra-marital affair, his 57th album in career terms.

Of course, there’s no great switch of style at this late stage, but an aggression and bite to songs such as the opening Nothing To Do With Love suggests that Mayall’s recent world tour supporting BB King was a blast. The easygoing, organ-based An Eye For An Eye harks back to the mid-60s, while guitar ballad How Far Down is deeply contemplative. Elsewhere, the feel is upbeat, contemporary and gritty, as the standout Train To My Heart confirms.

Mayall handles many instruments himself, tackling piano, organ, guitars and harmonica. There are, however, extended solos aplenty from hot new guitarist Rocky Athas, who steps into Buddy Whittington’s considerably-large shoes with impressive ease.

After the tribute album In The Palace Of The King, Tough represents a significant step forward. Joe Bonamassa better not rest on his laurels; The Grandfather Of The Blues is still alive and well.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Eagle | EAGCD 405

Reviewed by Michael Heatley
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