John Mayall/john Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (john Bare Wires

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers: John Mayall (vocals, harmonica, piano, harpsichord, organ, harmonium, guitar); Mick Taylor (guitar, Hawaiian guitar); Henry Lowther (violin, cornet); Dick Heckstall-Smith (soprano & tenor saxophones); Chris Mercer (tenor & baritone saxophones); Tony Reeves (acoustic & electric basses); Jon Hiseman (drums, percussion).
Recorded at Decca Studios, London, England in April 1968. Includes liner notes by John Tracy.
One of Mayall's bravest and best changes of style and line-ups. He enlisted some of the cream of the British jazz movement (Henry Lowther, Dick Heckstall Smith, Chris Mercer) who, together with drummer Jon Hiseman, made a formidable, brassy album. Mayall's lyrics, although often obscured by the great musicianship, were also notable, as this was a highly reflective time in his life. The album is best enjoyed complete, as the links between songs are vital to its enjoyment, especially the Bare Wires suite containing the sad but beautiful "I Know Now." Guitarist Mick Taylor added the obligatory but indispensible lead breaks. Very probably his finest album.

• Genre: Blues
• Format: Vinyl