John Mayall - A Hard Road (1967)

John Mayall is a British blues singer and multi-instrumentalist, who was a major figure in the 60s British blues scene.

1966's Bluesbreakers album had given John Mayall his breakthrough - it has become regarded as one of the most influential blues albums of the 60s, and put him on the map as the Britian's foremost blues artists. It also elevated his lead guitarist Eric Clapton to god status. However with Clapton's departure to form Cream not long afterwards, how was he to produce a follow-up?
He found a replacement in a young Peter Green. Green was already familiar with Mayall's band, as he had actually briefly filled in for Clapton when he had disappeared for a few months back in 1965. He proved to be easily as good a guitarist, and fans who were wary at first were soon won over.
The new album was released in early 1967. Bassist John McVie was still on board, making it his third John Mayall album. Drummer Hughie Flint left during the recording, and was replaced by Aynsley Dunbar, so the finished product featured performances from both of them. It also featured horns from John Almond, Alan Skidmore and Ray Warleigh. The result was another pioneering blues album in much the same style as its predecessor. Green got to sing lead on a couple of songs, and also contributed the stunning instrumental "The Supernatural", which showcased his delicate minor-key guitar style.
The album was another great success, getting to #8 on the charts.
However more changes were underfoot for the Bluebreakers. Drummer Aynsley Dunbar lef to form The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, and was replaced by Mick Fleetwood. Fleetwood wasn't around for long, and was apparently fired for drunkeness. However he did form a bond with Green and McVie, and Green soon asked the two of them to come with him to form a new band. Fleetwood agreed, but McVie stayed with Mayall for a while longer. Whilst Green and Fleetwood formed Fleetwood Mac, Mayall had to find yet more new members for his band...

Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton (1966) <|> Crusade (1967)
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