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I did not attend, but, my husband and brother went. They were completely blown away at how much energy John still had. Apparently he was also in fine voice. I heard that the keyboard player was out of this world....so John has surrounded himself with top notch musicians...no surprise there. They had a great time, and are now looking forward to going to many more blues concerts together!
the event and the theatre were awesome if you were in a good seat. our seats were stage right row 12 on the outside. the sound was atrocious. all you could essentially hear were the drummer and lead guitar that sounded more like a bass. fortunately we could move to where the sound was amazing. something must be able to be done to improve that sound. otherwise lesson learned for me. i will only attend in seats where i know the sound will be wonderful
John Mayall & the Blues Breakers rolled into Winnipeg Wednesday night and stole the hearts of Blues, R & B, and Rock 'n Roll fans of all ages. Mayall performed many of his classics and a nice mix of newer material and tunes form his current album, Tough, and left no questions unanswered. His stellar band behind him, Mayall stood behind the piano for large portions of the evening alternately accompanying and leading the band, himself on vocals and on harmonica, and sang with the power and ingenuity of a man many years younger. His energy and enthusiasm for the tunes drove the vocals and his voice never faltered. His band was completely in sync with their leader and performed with a level of expertise and respect to the origins of the songs that transcended time. Mayall spoke comfortably with his adoring audience throughout the evening and during the encore strolled into the crowd to shake hands with and embrace his fans. The evening had a mystical feel to it, somewhere between a love-in and a soul fest. I would dearly love to have an opportunity to see the same show all over again.
My wife and I had a wonderful time entertained by two 1 hr+ sets with an encore. Fantastic musicianship by a legend! Recommended!
Sorry not enough stars for this show. What a treat it was last night, unless of course you don't like performers who have 57 original albums/CDs, spanning 45 years and five decades, who at 76 years of age play for 2 1/4 hours, pretty well non-stop, with passion and high energy, playing solid, honest blues with multiple instruments, and sometimes playing multiple instruments simultaneously.....WOW is all that can be said and of course "Long live the King"......
...John Mayall has been doing what he's doing for nearly 50 years. It's been said that The Bluesbreakers was the finishing school for British blues musicians. Watching John Mayall play, now well into his 70's, is evidence of why he is still important. He still writes great tunes and is also a masterful interpreter of other blues writers' songs. His band was tight. I'd rather have a real Hammond B3, but if you closed your eyes, the second keyboard players synth was a reasonable facsimile. Solid drumming and bass and a very tasty guitarist rounded out the band. The guitarist used a Les Paul exclusively and played through a Fender Twin with only a Bad Monkey overdrive for solos. What else do you need? John was in good form vocally; in great form on keys and harp and even banged on a Rickenbacker 12 string electric for two songs. During one solo, he played the mini-harmonica that hangs from his necklace. Who knew the thing actually worked? The only downside was the venue. Pantages is a wonderful theatre to watch and listen to music. However, it is woefully unequipped to handle the 1000 or so people (well below capacity) at the show. The beer lines were endless. There were only four staff serving. Once you get through the line, you have to guzzle your beer because drinks aren't allowed in the house. The doors were closed when the show started and not opened until the first song ended. This isn't opera. It's the blues. If the beer line is 25 minutes and it's only a 20 minute intermission, how can one make the door closure? Then when the first song is a 15 minute blues romp, the door staff caused people to miss 15% of the show. Next time a rock/blues/jazz/punk show is staged, don't use Pantages. John Mayall deserves better and so do his fans.
For a 75-year old guy, Mayall has amazing energy and undiminished skills. He leads a tight group, allowing ample opportunity for all to shine, and shine they do. Worth every penny! My only regret - too few young people in attendance to witness the show. 90% of us were 55 +/- 5 years.
Smokin Show If Ya Live In Canada Its A Must See For Blues People. As Usual Killer Musicans With Him It Was A Smokin Show
Awsome concert. Mayall still has it. Very good band behind him.
Excelent show, forgot how well he could play the harp. Hope I can be as active at 75
John and the band were very friendly and the music wasn't bad. But there were too many production cutbacks. They just used the same lighting as you see at Pantages when little kids do their dance recitals. John had to read the words for many songs. They were wearing normal street clothes like baggy jeans and white runners. I guess you would say it was an intimate setting, but with no lighting or stage gimmicks, it can get boring.
It was really a terrific show! I enjoyed every moment from start to finish. The venue and sound was just perfect for this type of show. Mayall surrounded himself with some very talented musicians and produced some incredible music.
He's still got it! Energy, presence, and amazing improvisation. Couldn't stop dancing in my seat!
The performance was brilliant,five years since i saw him in Fargo and he can still do it,saw him first in 1964-65 at London School of Economics,it's been a long ride and it's still a good one.
John started out with a definitive solo harmonica and voice. It was a warm welcome to the crowd and a great way for a septuagenarian to begin! This fellow is a tried and true voice of the blues. Though the timbre in his voice belies his age, his experience and warmth more than made up for that. The band was good and the played well as group. They followed John's cues carefully and the performance was pretty seamless from that perspective. The guitarist knew how to use his Gibson Les Paul and had a few excellent moments. The Fender bass sounded particularly good...however I have a penchant for the bass. Drums were well played and meshed perfectly with the band. Sometimes drums can overshadow and that is unpleasant. This was not the case here. The keyboardist, Tom Kenny, was proficient at the task at hand and obviously enjoyed performing. It is always a joy to see someone who truly loves what they are doing. The band, equipment and stage were minimalist and that was perfect. Uncomplicated blues. I also felt that with John. He moved from instrument to instrument and provided all the vocals (minus the well placed "Hey! from the bassist...good one!). John is a performer who loves what he does. He has an easy, laid back style and knows his stuff. I can only hope I am so on top of my game at his age! All in all a fine show and worth the ticket price. Always love Pantages too! It was the perfect venue for this group. Thanks fellows!
John Mayall was incredible and the other band members were equally amazing. It shows that true professionalism can last the ages.
The incredible musicianship of John and all of his band enthralled not only me but the whole audience! His energy, moxie, and intuitiveness brought out the best in his band and himself, and let me add the audience as well.
... maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon - and for the rest of your life. Even if you're too young to get the movie reference, do not miss a chance to see a true legend, a consummate performer, an incredible musician and living proof that getting older can actually mean getting better. From the minute John bounded onto the stage to the end of a version of "Room to Move" that showcased the remarkable talents of everyone in the band and would have been too short if it went on forever, this was five spectacularly good musicians having a great time - just like the audience. After over two hours of playing they were just as fresh, tight and energetic as they were at the start. So if you're looking for cleavage, over-rehearsed choreography and the same vapid lyrics over and over again, go see some overrated stadium band you'll forget about next week. If you want to see hugely talented musicians at the top of their game - something you'll remember for the rest of you life, go see John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - you won't be sorry.
Bad sound quality, poor quality performance. Not as good as was hoped, and I had travelled in for it. Not good song choices, laissez faire approach to audience, not at all engaging.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the concert last night. I heard things I have never heard before during this performance. All talented musicians, they shared the evening with the crowd, and made in memorable. The music from their new album Tough was interesting, and I'll probably buy it from the website so I can listen to all of it. Thank you Rocky, Greg, Jay and Tom, and especially you John for a great evening, with superb talent.
