John Mayall - In The Palace Of The King

Tribute to a Texan guitar legend

A homage to the works of Freddie King from the godfather of British blues, has to be worth a listen, but the track choices are certainly controversial. There’s no Have You Ever Loved A Woman, nor are there revisits of past favourites such as The Stumble and Hide Away (but, as instrumentals, these are more understandable omissions). However, we do get Goin’ Down, a vocal spot for guitarist Buddy Whittington on Big Legged Woman, and the instrumental Cannonball Shuffle with guest axeman Robben Ford duelling with Mayall on harmonica.

Rounding off the package are two originals, Time To Go and King Of The Kings, the latter being Mayall’s tribute to a man who, though born one year later than himself, only lived to the age of 42. You don’t expect fireworks from Mayall, now or in the past, but this is a solidly enjoyable blues album that’s unlikely to disappoint, despite those track choices.

Eagle | cat no tbc

Reviewed by Michael Heatley
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