John Mayall - So Many Roads, An Anthology 1964-1974 [2010] (4 x CDs)

JOHN MAYALL     R.I.P.

John Mayall, a titan in the world of blues and a pivotal figure in British music, departed this world on July 22, 2024, at his residence in California, surrounded by the warmth of his family. He was in his 91st year.

Revered as the “British blues’ patriarch,” Mayall’s impact on the music scene was both deep and extensive. His band, the Bluesbreakers, served as a launchpad for numerous luminaries such as Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Mick Taylor. His relentless dedication to enlightening, inspiring, and captivating audiences through his music has etched an unforgettable legacy in the realms of blues and rock.

Even as health challenges brought an end to his remarkable touring journey, Mayall’s commitment to his artistry never wavered. His significant contributions to music were acknowledged with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, and he was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005.

He is survived by his children, Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak and Samson; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 

Mayall’s enduring legacy will continue to spark creativity and shape the musical journeys of artists for years to come. His family’s heartfelt message encapsulates his enduring spirit: “Keep on playing the blues somewhere, John. We love you”.

John Mayall - So Many Roads, An Anthology 1964-1974 [2010] (4 x CDs)

This is a great box by John Mayall, one of the pioneers of British blues. John Mayall - So Many Roads, An Anthology is a four-disc compilation that covers his career from 1964 to 1974, featuring songs from his various bands and collaborations with legendary musicians like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, and many more. It contains 74 tracks, including singles, album cuts, live recordings, and rare gems. It was released in 2010 by Universal Music and received positive reviews from critics. It’s a definitive collection of Mayall’s work and influence on the blues rock genre.

In 1992, Polydor released two double disc retrospectives of John Mayall's career on the Decca, Deram, and its own imprint. The first, entitled London Blues, covered the years 1964-1969; the second, Room To Move, picked up at the end of 1969 and went through to 1974, his final year with the label before departing for ABC. For those who own those two collections and wonder if 2010's four-disc, So Many Roads: An Anthology 1964-1974 is worth owning, the answer is a qualified "yes." Of course, there is overlap so you may not want to replace them only with this. But this box goes deeper and wider in an aesthtic sense, its track choices are arguably better, and the sense of flow is less fragmented. And of course, the audio is far better here. The previous collections sought to showcase the many dynamic shifts in the evolution of Mayall's approach to blues rather than focusing on its incremental changes. What's portrayed here is more organic and subtle. Certainly, most expected tracks are included, from his first single, "Crawling Up A Hill" and "Mr. James," from '64; and "I'm Your Witchdoctor" b/w "Telephone Blues," (the latter was first 45 by the Eric Clapton-era Bluesbreakers and was produced by Jimmy Page) from 1965. Disc one covers album up to A Hard Road; disc two from that album to 1968's Blues From Laurel Canyon; disc three from 1969's revolutionary The Turning Point through Back To The Roots; and disc four from there through The Latest Edition in 1974. There are many LP cuts obviously, but also live material, compilation tracks and singles -- 74 tracks in total. While some are not obvious choices, virtually all are essential for Mayall enthusiasts. His high standards as a a recording and performing artist, are underscored by his role as mentor to younger talent, Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Aynsley Dunbar, Keef Hartley, Jon Mark, Johnny Almond, Harvey Mandel, Larry Taylor, Steve Winwood and Brad Resnick all passed through his ranks. Also notable are Mayall's collaborations with established jazz and blues artists such as Freddy Robinson, Blue Mitchell, and Fred Jackson. The package also includes an exhaustive and engaging liner essay by Mark Powell, loads of rare photos, and complete discographical information, making it the definitive compilation. (AMG review by Thom Jurek)

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Track lists

CD1

01 John Mayall - Crawling Up A Hill 2:17

02 John Mayall - Mr. James 2:51

03 John Mayall - When I'm Gone 3:17

04 John Mayall - R&B Time Incorporating: Night Train & Lucille 2:24

05 John Mayall - Runaway 2:36

06 John Mayall - What's The Matter With You 2:43

07 John Mayall - Crocodile Walk 2:15

08 John Mayall - Blues City Shake Down 2:23

09 John Mayall - I'm Your Witchdoctor 2:11

10 John Mayall - Telephone Blues 3:58

11 John Mayall - On Top Of The World 2:48

12 John Mayall - They Call It Stormy Monday 4:35

13 John Mayall - Have You Ever Loved A Woman 6:43

14 John Mayall - All Your Love 3:36

15 John Mayall - Double Crossing Time 3:04

16 John Mayall - Steppin' Out 2:30

17 John Mayall - What'd I Say 4:28

18 John Mayall - Key To Love 2:08

19 John Mayall - Parchman Farm 2:21

20 John Mayall - Looking Back 2:37

21 John Mayall - So Many Roads 4:44

22 John Mayall - Long Night 2:02

23 John Mayall - Dust My Blues 2:47

24 John Mayall - The Stumble 2:52

CD2

01 John Mayall - You Don't Love Me 2:50

02 John Mayall - It's Over 2:50

03 John Mayall - The Super-Natural 2:56

04 John Mayall - Sitting In The Rain 2:57

05 John Mayall - Ridin' On The L&N 2:28

06 John Mayall - All My Life 4:24

07 John Mayall - Double Trouble 3:22

08 John Mayall - Supricions (Part One) 2:48

09 John Mayall - Oh Pretty Woman 3:33

10 John Mayall - Snowy Wood 3:37

11 John Mayall - Checkin' Up On My Baby 3:57

12 John Mayall - No More Tears 3:10

13 John Mayall - Brand New Start 3:24

14 John Mayall - Picture On The Wall 3:04

15 John Mayall - Look On The Mirror 4:02

16 John Mayall - No Reply 3:08

17 John Mayall - Hartley Quits 2:55

18 John Mayall - 2401 3:56

19 John Mayall - Walking On Sunset 2:55

20 John Mayall - Medicine Man 2:47

21 John Mayall - Miss James 2:30

22 John Mayall - Fly Tomorrow 9:02

CD3

01 John Mayall - The Laws Must Change 7:16

02 John Mayall - California 9:22

03 John Mayall - Room To Move 4:42

04 John Mayall - Sleeping By Her Side 5:02

05 John Mayall - Don't Waste My Time 3:10

06 John Mayall - Something New 4:38

07 John Mayall - Waiting For The Right Time 5:34

08 John Mayall - Counting The Days 5:31

09 John Mayall - Off The Road 2:48

10 John Mayall - Crying 6:26

11 John Mayall - Nature's Disappearing 5:55

12 John Mayall - Accidental Suicide 6:14

13 John Mayall - Prison On The Road 4:15

14 John Mayall - Unanswered Questions 4:39

CD4

01 John Mayall - Television Eye 7:30

02 John Mayall - Memories 5:02

03 John Mayall - Nobody Cares 3:57

04 John Mayall - Good Time Boogie 9:10

05 John Mayall - Got To Be This Way 6:51

06 John Mayall - Mess Around 2:54

07 John Mayall - Country Road 7:15

08 John Mayall - Moving On 4:28

09 John Mayall - Things Go Wrong 6:37

10 John Mayall - High Pressure Living 6:47

11 John Mayall - Driving 'til The Break Of Day 5:05

12 John Mayall - Burning Sun 5:08

13 John Mayall - Little Kitten 2:34

14 John Mayall - Gasoline Blues 3:40

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