Review: John Mayall 'The Sun Is Shining Down'

John Mayall

By Martine Ehrenclou

Blues legend John Mayall teams up with an all-star cast for his newest album, The Sun Is Shining Down, out January 28 via Forty Below Records, co-produced by Mayall and Grammy nominated producer, Eric Corne. This soulful, funky release is flush with brass, violins, harmonica, electric ukulele and the inimitable stamp of the Godfather of the British Blues himself. Having chosen stellar guitarists along with his longtime Chicago rhythm section, Mayall might have outdone himself with The Sun Is Shining Down.

Mayall is the purveyor of superb musicians, guitar players in particular. You’ll find nothing less on The Sun Is Shining Down including guests The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell, roots rock guitarist Marcus King, Americana luminary Buddy Miller, violinist Scarlet Rivera of Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review, Chicago blues guitarist Melvin Taylor and Hawaiian electric ukulele star Jake Shimabukuro. Also joining in is Mayall’s longtime Chicago rhythm section of Greg Rzab on bass guitar, Jay Davenport on drums and the gifted Carolyn Wonderland on guitar.

From beginning to end The Sun Is Shining Down is a blast of fresh blues performed by John Mayall and the group he put together. It’s a stunning example of exemplary musicianship and obvious chemistry between all involved. Each of the catchy blues tunes have their own singular groove, funky and fun, with ample room for each musician to spread out.

As significant as each of these guest musicians are, they don’t overshadow Mayall’s spirited vocals, iconic harmonica and lyrical keyboard work. The Sun Is Shining Down is a group collective but with the celebrated master at the helm.

Recorded at Robby Krieger’s (The Doors) Horse Latitudes studio and Strawhorse Studio, The Sun Is Shining Down is a delight, uplifting with its range of tasty covers and two originals. Mayall approaches each with a lighthearted style, offering fans a dose of carefree entertainment at a time when it’s needed. Opening number “Hungry and Ready” is case in point, an upbeat blues shuffle with full horn section featuring Melvin Taylor on guitar that speaks of not caring about a missed party because the next one is around the corner. Mayall’s harmonica is as you’d expect from one of the most seasoned harp players around. Taylor’s guitar is magnificent, stinging.

On each of the ten tracks, Mayall allows for two solos for each guest. And what a treat they are.

Album standout is the funky “I’m As Good As Gone” by Bobby Rush and featuring Buddy Miller. If Miller’s baritone guitar riffs don’t become an earworm, I’d be surprised. Mayall is at his best vocally, strong and soulful, his organ fills elegant. The entire band is tight, in the pocket. You just can’t get better than this.

Mayall original “Got To Find A Better Way” with a syncopated rhythm reflects our troubled times. “Sad days that we’re going through,” Mayall sings. Rivera’s violin is both striking and mournful, weaving throughout the song amidst a brush of drums, organ and bass. When it comes to her second solo we get a taste of gypsy jazz by a violinist that’s one of the most soulful and talented around.

The funky Bernard Allison cut “Chills & Thrills” adds a rock and roll vibe, featuring Mike Campbell on guitar. Mayall couldn’t have picked a better guitarist for this tune—there’s a little Freddie King in Campbell’s playing and it compliments this tune perfectly.

Title track and Mayall original, “The Sun is Shining Down” is another standout featuring Carolyn Wonderland. A groove based blues number, Wonderland works her magic on guitar. Her playing is stunning and graceful, matching Mayall’s elegant touch on keys. She doesn’t have to flash and thrash—her six-string brilliance is all about inventive phrasing and picking, completely in tune with Mayall and the band. This closing number seems to be a theme for the album—gratitude and appreciation for the life Mayall has created.

Highly recommended.

Listen to “Can’t Take No More” (Feat. Marcus King)