John Mayall A Special Life 160g 2LP (Vinyl)

160g Double Vinyl from Legendary "Godfather of British Blues!"

Forty Below Records announces the signing of the legendary “Godfather of British Blues,” John Mayall, and his first studio album in five years, A Special Life.

The album was recorded in November, 2013, at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood and was produced by Mayall, with co-production, engineering and mixing by Eric Corne. A Special Life also boasts original cover art and design created by John Mayall.

Backing Mayall on the album are Texas guitarist Rocky Athas and a Chicago-based rhythm section of Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums. The current band lineup came together for his last studio album, Tough, and has developed an amazing chemistry over the years through consistent touring both in the U.S. and around the world. Athas came on the recommendation of Mayall's former guitarist Buddy Whittington, and quickly asserted himself as a major force in the band. After Rzab came onboard to play bass, he recommended Davenport for the drum spot and the group was complete.

Since 2009, the new, leaner four-piece lineup has given John more room to stretch out as an instrumentalist. After being invited to do a guest spot on Walter Trout’s latest album, John met engineer/producer Eric Corne. John was so impressed that he asked Eric to record his new album. Greg, Jay and Rocky flew in for the sessions which took less than a week to record and the end result is one of John's best albums ever, with its deep devotion to blues and roots music. Accordion legend C.J. Chenier makes a powerhouse guest appearance on a couple of tracks, including the opener, “Why Did You Go Last Night,” written and previously recorded by his father, Zydeco icon Clifton Chenier. A Special Life also includes three new songs penned by John and a reworked Mayall classic to go along with covers of Jimmy Rogers (“That’s All Right”), Albert King (Floodin’ in California”), Sonny Landreth (“Speak of the Devil”), Jimmy McCracklin (“I Just Got to Know”) and Eddie Taylor (Big Town Playboy”), plus a new song written by Greg Rzab and Rocky Athas.

Features:
• Double LP
• 160g Vinyl

Musicians:
John Mayall, vocals, harmonica, guitar, organ, pianos
Rocky Athas, guitar
Greg Rzab, bass guitar, percussion
Jay Davenport, drums
C.J. Chenier, vocals, accordion

Selections:
LP 1 - Side A:
1. Why Did You Go Last Night
2. Speak Of the Devil
3. That's All Right
LP 1 - Side B:
1. World Gone Crazy
2. Floodin' In California
3. Big Town Playboy

LP 2 - Side C:
1. A Special Life
2. I Just Got To Know
3. Heartache
LP 2 - Side D:
1. Like A Fool
2. Just A Memory