John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers & Friends - 70th Birthday Concert (DVD / CD) (2003)

If there ever was an "essential" John Mayall DVD, then the 70th Birthday Concert (Collector's Edition) has to be it. When I threw this in for the first time after it arrived, I sat transfixed as I took in the spectacular extravaganza that Mayall's birthday occasioned. Not only is his current lineup on hand, but a couple of alumni from past incarnations of the Bluesbreakers join in to make this DVD one to remember.

For me, the highlights are Southside Story, Dirty Water, Blues For The Lost Days, Walking On Sunset, Oh Pretty Woman, Hideaway, All Your Love, Have You Heard, and I'm Tore Down.

Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor return to contribute some guitar pyrotechnics, but long-time Mayall guitarist Buddy Whittington more than holds his own. Joe Yuele shows the world why he has been Mayall's drummer for so many years with his faultless play and Tom Canning turns in inspired performances on organ and piano. And what about Mayall himself? Well, he can play so many instruments and with such virtuosity, its hard to say what he's best at. The songs covered range from ones originally done in the sixties to some recorded in the last five years. The way everything came together so seamlessly, you'd think these guys had rehearsed this for months!

I recommend the Collector's Edition over the straight DVD. For a couple bucks extra, you double your pleasure. With the Collector's Edition, you get an abbreviated version of the concert on CD that you can listen to anytime you can't get to your big screen. It makes great cruising music. My favorites on the CD are Dirty Water, Walking On Sunset, Hideaway, Have You Heard, plus a real bonus that isn't on the concert DVD; a fine rendition of California

This is going to remain high in my rotation at home and on the road for months. If you like the music of John Mayall, then you should be thrilled by the way it comes alive here. Order it now!

Interesting concept. John Mayall celebrates his 70th birthday with the Bluesbreakers and friends. Does it work? Breathe a sigh of relief, it does work.

Joining Mayall are Mick Taylor and Eric Clapton as well as Chris Barber. This is actually an interesting product. There is a DVD of the concert, featuring 16 cuts--plus a CD with 7 songs on it. The DVD also features an interview with Mayall.

But it's the music that one is looking for. The DVD begins with "Southside Story," featuring Mayall playing the harmonica extremely well and still in pretty good voice at age 70. The backing band does its work well and plays nicely.

"Oh, Pretty Woman" is also well done. Mayall, on this piece, plays keyboard as well as providing vocals. Mick Taylor joins the Bluesbreakers on guitar and provides some hot playing. The horn section provides good backing sound.

"Hoochie Coochie Man" is one of the great blues songs. Mayall sticks with harmonica and keyboard, with Eric Clapton providing vocals and great guitar licks. The band provides excellent backing. This is genuinely good blues. Mayall's harmonica sings and Clapton is Clapton.

Finally, "Talk to Your Daughter." Taylor and Clapton play together, with the Bluesbreakers' guitarist joining in. A nice wall of guitar sound! Mayall sings and adds guitar work of his own.

All in all, a satisfying concert. This set has some nice extras and will be attractive to Mayall fans.

This dvd turned out to be one of my favorites in my collection,and I have many.John Mayall is truly a blues legend and a man of many talents.If your a blues fan, you will enjoy this one.Great sound,good camera work and great selection of songs.This is a keeper.