Bus Boys, Eric
Clapton and John Mayall Promotional Photos
for Golden Bear Appearances in Huntington Beach,
California
John Mayall, blues
guitarist and singer has experienced the
longevity and popularity other artists dream of.
Born in 1933, the British born recording artist
is still producing CDs and performs primarily
through Europe. Many Californians, however,
remember a song he wrote that captured a certain
feel and essence of the Golden State. Some
of us growing up in other states or countries
heard this song and gained a fondness for a
place we'd never been to but hoped to visit.
While we were told and believed that California
was cool, we gained an appreciation of a
great blues artist who could create tunes and
lyrics that evoked emotion. The lyrics are
simple and do not convey the essence of the
song, but here they are:
Going back to
California
So many good things around
Don't wanna leave California
The sun seems to never go down
Some people may treat you ugly
Some treat you beautiful too
That's the way life is all over
So look for the good things for you
California - there is a good place to be
California - that's where I'm feeling so free
Solos
California that's where I'm feeling so free
California there is a good place to be
California - that is a good place for home
California - I'll be back there before long
John Mayall grew
up listening to his guitarist father's
extensive jazz record collection and felt drawn
to the blues. Strongly influenced by such greats
as Leadbelly, Albert Ammons, Pinetop Smith, and
Eddie Lang, he taught himself to play and
developed his own style. Mayall did not turn his
musical talents into a full time career until
the age of 30. He carved a name for himself in
London where he formed a band known as John
Mayall's Bluesbreakers. One of his favorite
partners and band members for a time was Eric
Clapton, who had quit the Yardbirds in favor of
playing the blues. This historic union
culminated in the first hit album for the
Bluesbreakers and resulted in worldwide
legendary status.
After Clapton and Jack Bruce left the band to
form Cream, a succession of great musicians
defined their artistic roots under John's
leadership, and he became as well known for
discovering new talent as for his hard-hitting
interpretations of the fierce Chicago-style
blues he'd grown up listening to. Attracted by
the West Coast climate and culture, John
moved from England to Laurel Canyon in Los
Angeles and began forming bands with American
musicians. "Room To Move" became a rock classic
and received gold record status. It was during
that time John Mayall performed at the Golden
Bear in Huntington Beach. Throughout the 70's,
he was revered for his many jazz/rock/blues
innovations featuring such notable performers as
Blue Mitchell , Red Holloway, Larry Taylor, and
Harvey Mandel. He also backed blues greats John
Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, and Sonny Boy
Williamson on their first English club tours.
The decline of
interest in the blues at the turn of the 1980s
provided a difficult transition for someone
who'd been on top for years. But part of singing
the blues is living it and John did so. Not only
was his career in decline, a brush fire
destroyed his custom designed Laurel Canyon
home, taking with it his scrupulously-kept
diaries, his father's diaries, master
recordings, extensive book & magazine
collections, Mayall artwork, and much much more.
Determined to rise from the ashes, Mayall
persevered.
Making it through
the hard times and returning to his English
roots, Mayall now lives, writes, records and
performs primarily in Europe. He
experiences commercial success and continues to
help craft careers for up and coming musicians
who have an opportunity to cut their teeth,
gaining exposure in his band. Posters, songs and
photos bring back the golden years of the Golden
Bear and for many, the man they were fortunate
to see perform live at this venue that's
remembered and still talked about years later.
|
