John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers – The Diary Of A Band Volume Two

Incredible album from Mayall and band. The musicianship of this recording is off the charts. The sound is very good all instruments and vocals being recorded very well. Disc one is absolutely classic Mayall. God, “I Can’t Quit You Baby” is worth the price of this album. Mick Taylor is a absolute guitar god here. Dick-Heckstall Smith’s sax is simply stunning. I could have done without the chatter between cuts but the music definitely overshadows that chatter. This incarnation of Mayall’s band is superb and lives up to any hype. Taylor’s age of 18 years is unbelievable to contemplate, he is brilliant. Mayall’s vocals here are truly good, heart felt. This is English blues at its best.

Disc two begins with some great Mayall harp on “The Train” and shows why he should be regarded as one of the greats on blues harmonica, and his keys are great also. Dick-Heckstall Smith’s sax is also stellar here. Mick Taylor continues his brilliance on this disc as well. “Crying Shame” continues in this vein with Taylor’s guitar and Heckstsall Smith’s sax playing a prominent role. I have not forgotten the drums and bass both of which are fantastic on this album providing excellent backing here, Keef Hartley being simply great on drums. “Help Me Baby” is a great track being almost boogie. Overall this disc is a classic British blues recording, exhibiting total mastery of the genre.

by Dante