John Mayall certifies incredible legacy during 'Final Show' at The Coach House

John Mayall performing in front of a capacity crowd at The Coach House.

Who: John Mayall, Bobby Gray

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Saturday, March 26, 2022

Next: Visit www.TheCoachHouse.com for details on upcoming concerts at the venue

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

In the third and final of his so-called "Final Shows" staged at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Saturday night (March 26, 2022), British blues giant John Mayall performed what is reportedly to be his last-ever concert.

In front of a sold-out and genuinely enthusiastic crowd, the 88-year-old artist delivered a truly memorable 110-minute outing elevated not only by the historic moment but the terrific talents of his amazing band (master guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport).

John Mayall playing his blues harp on March 26, 2022.

Singing, playing the keys and blowing on his blues harp across the night, Mayall played the entire set standing up and seemed to genuinely be savoring the moment (a number of his family members were seated in the audience too), engaged with his band and once again delightfully delivering the British blues stylings he has championed for more than 60 years.

From left, John Mayall deciding which song to play with bassist Greg Rzab and
guitarist-singer Carolyn Wonderland at The Coach House.

As much for his infectious and influential musical brew, Mayall is recognized for his ability to recognize gifted young musicians who launched their own incredible careers as part of his troupe (notably under the moniker John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers launched in the 1960s). Among the notables who are veterans of the Bluesbreakers are Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce (who both went on to form Cream), Peter Green and John McVie (who would later gain acclaim with Fleetwood Mac), Mick Taylor (who would later join The Rolling Stones and shine on their greatest albums), Harvey Mandel (of Canned Heat fame) and guitar heroes Walter Trout and Coco Montoya.

Carolyn Wonderland in action.

From the moment Mayall and his trio launched their set, it was clear they were determined to deliver a rousing set of blues. The opener "Walking on Sunset" featured some terrific interplay between the musicians, notably highlighting the signature guitar work of Wonderland (whose latest album Tempting Fate was released via Alligator Records in October 2021; she is the "first female guitar hero in the label’s storied 50-year history").

The followup — a take on the Otis Rush classic "All Your Loving (I Miss Loving)" — featured some of Mayall's strongest vocals of the night. The enticing track offered more great fret work from Wonderland, who by now already had won over the audience who responded to her solos with big cheers.

The ensemble's focus was on blues-rock, but made a well-aimed jazzy detour on "Parchman Farm." Another early standout featured Wonderland taking over lead vocal duties on a poignant take on Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" showcasing the Texas artist's vocal talents are the equal to her amazing guitar work.

Bassist Greg Rzab at The Coach House.

"Ain't No Guarantees" was noteworthy for the burning solos from both bassist Rzab and drummer Davenport, the '60's flavored blues rocker the perfect forum for those sonic dynamics.

Drummer Jay Davenport behind his kit.

The set's momentum never faltered. Late night selections such as "The Laws Must Change" (featuring Wonderland on lead vocals), "Streamline" (a Bluesbreaker classic), searing "Tears Came Rollin' Down" and 16-minute "California" — the latter bolstered by a myriad of great solos — were pitch perfect.

Before launching into their final track, each of Mayall's bandmates said a few words about their leader. Rzab perhaps summed up the moment best: "Where would we be without this man?"

Mayall and company closed out the historic night with a eight-minute take on "Room to Move," with Mayall launching into the track alone on his harmonica before his trio joined in to bring it all home.

Bobby Gray (seen with his saxophone) and his trio performing at The Coach House
in San Juan Capistrano, CA on March 26, 2022.

Opening the night was Bobby Gray, who backed by a strong trio, performed a 45-minute set of classic rock era favorites with bona fide firepower.

Gray (juggling lead vocals, saxophone, flute and blues harp) and his three-man band delighted with their blistering opener (The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues"), the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin," Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" and the Jimi Hendrix classic "Voodoo Chile." 

John Mayall giving the crowd a "thumbs up" to complete the night.

John Mayall Concert Setlist at The Coach House, Saturday, March 26, 2022

Walking on Sunset

All Your Loving (I Miss Loving)

Parchman Farm

It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

The Sum of Something

The Bear

Ain't No Guarantees

The Laws Must Change

Streamline

Tears Came Rollin' Down

California

Room to Move

Winter NAMM Show News: OK Go, Yamaha All-Star Concert, Andy Grammer, B-52s Members Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, Melissa Etheridge

With The NAMM Show is only three weeks away, there are exciting announcements about the upcoming event being released...

OK Go, The Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand 2018 and Andy Grammer Set to Perform at The NAMM Show

OK Go / Photo credit: Makoto Kubota

CARLSBAD, Calif. – January 3, 2018 – With only 22 days until the start of The 2018 NAMM Show, The NAMM Campus is set to come alive with a variety of Bands@NAMM performers, and at night, talent that includes groundbreaking multimedia artists, legendary performers and a multi-platinum pop singer-songwriter, all performing on The NAMM Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.

On Thursday, The NAMM Foundation Celebration of Music Education will celebrate the advocacy and dedication of NAMM members with a performance from indie/pop rockers, OK Go. Members Damian Kulash (vocals/video director), Tim Nordwind (bass), Dan Konopa (percussion) and Andy Ross (guitar) have built a unique career at the intersection of music, visual art, technology and science. The band has emerging at the forefront of a class of artists whose 21st-century brand of experimental creativity dissolves the traditional boundaries between disciplines, garnering them millions of fans along the way. Videos like 2007’s GRAMMY^®-winning video “Here it Goes Again” featured the act on synchronized treadmills; “Upside Down & Inside Out” showed the band achieving zero-gravity status as they filming the video on a reduced gravity aircraft; and their recent release, “Obsession,” which utilized 567 printers and a ton of paper and later recycled and the profits donated, have all made OK Go a standout act.

On Friday, an all-star line-up from Yamaha promises an unforgettable multi-artist extravaganza with the “Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand 2018,” set to crank up the volume to 11. With the concert performers still under wraps, the evening promises a dazzling array of seasoned performers to delight The NAMM Show audience. Past performers at Yamaha’s annual NAMM event include luminaries such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, John Legend, Earth, Wind & Fire, U2 founder and drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. and many others.

Andy Grammer / Photo credit: Chris Phelps

Saturday evening at the annual “Imagine Party,” The NAMM Foundation and The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus presented by Other World Computing will welcome acclaimed multi-platinum pop singer and songwriter, Andy Grammer. Best known for his upbeat, positive musical stylings and prolific, honest songwriting, Grammer has built a career connecting with his audience and fans in a refreshing, clear voice. In 2011, he became the first male pop star in a decade to reach the Top 10 on Adult Pop Radio with "Keep Your Head Up" and "Fine By Me," from his 2011 self-titled debut. His second album, Magazines or Novels, featured the triple-platinum infectious smash hit, "Honey, I'm Good," which was one of the best-selling songs of 2015, and the certified gold anthem "Good to be Alive (Hallelujah)." Most recently, Andy released his third studio album, The Good Parts, in December which features the hit singles “Smoke Clears” and “Fresh Eyes,” which has become a streaming phenomenon with over 350 million total streams. In addition to his performance in the evening, Grammer will spend part of his afternoon on the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus with young musicians from local area schools.

Each act will start at 6 p.m. and be preceded by a variety of performers throughout the day as part of the Bands@NAMM program. The schedule for both The NAMM Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage and The NAMM Arena Plaza Stage Presented by Pioneer Pro Audio is available at https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2018/bands-at-namm.

The B-52s Members Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, and Melissa Etheridge to be Honored at 2018 She Rocks Awards 

Melissa Etheridge

From left, Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson of the B-52s

The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) announces that Melissa Etheridge and The B-52s band members Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson will be honored at the 6th annual She Rocks Awards on Friday, January 26, 2018, during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. 

Best known for her hit songs “I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window,” and the song that first propelled her career, “Bring Me Some Water,” Grammy® Award- and Academy® Award-winning artist Melissa Etheridge has been tearing up the charts and tearing off the roof since 1988 with her signature sound. Her current album, MEmphis Rock and Soul, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim, and features original songs as well as her interpretation of classics. For more info, visit www.melissaetheridge.com.

Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson are original members of one of the most beloved party rock bands, The B-52s. Known for their unique musical and performance style, the band has made a permanent mark on the musical world with hits such as “Rock Lobster,” “Roam,” “Love Shack,” and many more. Celebrating The B-52s’ 40th anniversary, Kate and Cindy continue to perform with the band, in addition to working on solo projects. For more info, visit www.theb52s.com. 

The WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore, comments, “We are so excited to honor these pioneering women who represent the diversity of musical styles we embrace at the She Rocks Awards. Each has made lasting contributions to music, and has influenced countless female musicians and fans alike.” 

Melissa Etheridge, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson join a host of 2018 honorees that includes the pioneering all-girl band Fanny and Exene Cervenka of X plus a collection of role models from all walks of the music and audio industries. View the full list of this year’s honorees here. 

Gearing up for its sixth consecutive year, the She Rocks Awards pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry, and has become a standard at the NAMM Show. Previous award recipients include female industry leaders such as Colbie Caillat, Ronnie Spector, Sheila E, The Bangles, Shirley Manson, Esperanza Spalding, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Batten, Karmin, Orianthi, Dinah Gretsch, Craigie Zildjian, and more. 

The 2018 She Rocks Awards is sponsored by Gretsch, Monster Energy, Sennheiser, Seymour Duncan, Martin Guitar, Reverb.com, Harman, Fishman, Roland, Zildjian, Guitar Center, Casio, Daisy Rock Girl Guitars, PRS Guitars, D’Angelico Guitars, Tech 21, PreSonus, D'Angelico Guitars, Berklee Online, 108 Rock Star Guitars, On-Stage Stands, M.A.C Cosmetics, Paul Mitchell, City National Bank, Bittree, NAMM, Music Inc., Music & Sound Retailer, Music-News.com, NewBay Media, Guitar World, Guitar Player, Bass Player, Electronic Musician, Guitar Girl Magazine, Gear Tech + Recording, KVR Audio, and more.

Tickets are on sale now. This event is open to the public and a NAMM show badge is not required to attend. And yes, men are welcome, too! Learn more at www.sherocksawards.com.

John Carrillo Remembered

John Carrillo was a beloved and leading figure of the Orange County, CA music scene who passed away on February 9, 2017. He was only 48. On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING both TJR and Robert Kinsler pay tribute to the talented and inspiring artist:

Walter Trout North American Dates In Support of ALIVE In Amsterdam

Walter Trout was amazing when I caught him at the Doheny Blues Festival in May 2016 (read my review here) showcased the singer-songwriter-guitar hero is better than ever. Here is a media release that just landed in my inbox and is worth sharing...

Robert Kinsler

Walter Trout announces North American tour dates in support of 

Provogue / Mascot Label Group live release ALIVE IN AMSTERDAM

Album Celebrates Trout's Resurgence Following The Guitarist and Blues Singer-Songwriter's

Hard-Won, Life-Or-Death Struggle Waiting For, And Receiving, A Life-Saving Transplant

New York, NY --- Walter Trout hits the highways of the U.S. and Canada this August for appearances to support his recently released live album ALIVE In Amsterdam.  The tour begins on August 13, 2016 at the Cincinnati Blues Festival, and will wrap on the 30th in Denver, CO at the Oriental Theater.  Following a return to Europe, Trout will be back in the U.S for appearances in December.  Provogue / Mascot Label Group has shared a gratis download of "Say Goodbye To The Blues" with fans globally, which  is available here: http://www.unlock.fm/83a.  The Alive In Amsterdam album trailer can be screened here: https://youtu.be/qsTyplH5Hrk.

ALIVE in Amsterdam celebrates Trout's rebirth following a successful transplant in May 2014.  His prior release, 2015's Battle Scars channeled his near-death experience into raw autobiographical songs.  The live album captures Trout's performance November 28th, 2015 at Amsterdam's opulent Royal Theatre Carré.  Trout shares, "We were rocking.  If people are expecting a laid-back show, that's not what they'll get. This is potent stuff.  That whole tour was kinda triumphant for me.  Just to be back, after what I went through. But also to be playing with a renewed energy and commitment."

With songs pulled from every era of his five-decade career, the ALIVE In Amsterdam set presents the Luther Allison cover "I'm Back," to the plaintive B.B. King tribute "Say Goodbye To The Blues," which builds from neck-tingling guitar swells to a stunning virtuoso climax. Battle Scars  is well-represented by the harmony-bolstered rocker "Almost Gone" and the raucous "Tomorrow Seems So Far Away," while Trout is joined by his son Jon for "Rock Me Baby," and even finds time for a fistful of fan favorites, including "The Love That We Once Knew" and "Marie's Mood." Trout recalls, "You can hear that a guy yells out for 'Marie's Mood.'  I actually hadn't planned on doing that one..."

Confirmed appearances include:

8/13     Cincinnati, OH                                                Cincinnati Blues Festival

814      Cleveland, OH                                                Beachland Ballroom

8/16     New York, NY                                               City Winery

8/18     Barrie, Ontario                                                Violet's

8/19     Barrie, Ontario                                                Violet's

8/20     Niagara Falls, NY                                           Seneca Casino

8/21     Syracuse, NY                                                  Funk 'n' Waffles

8/24     Bloomington, IL                                             Castle Theatre

8/25     Davenport, IA                                     Redstone Room

8/26     Paola, KS                                                        Paola Roots Fest

8/27     Omaha, NE                                                     Playing With Fire Concert Series

8/28     Des Moines, IA                                               Lefty's Live Music

8/30     Denver, CO                                                     Oriental Theater

12/03   San Pedro, CA                                                Warner Grand Theater

Mascot Label Group is a 100% independently owned and operated record company that is a market leader in the worlds of Rock, Metal and Blues. Originally founded in 1989 in The Netherlands, MLG now operates company offices in New York City, London, Cologne, Paris, Milan, Stockholm, alongside the corporate headquarters in Rotterdam. The Mascot Label Group consists of individual imprints that include Mascot Records, Provogue Records, Music Theories Recordings and Cool Green Recordings. MLG is a label member of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM).

www.waltertrout.com

www.facebook.com/waltertroutband

www.twitter.com/waltertrout

www.youtube.com/mascotlabelgroup

http://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/

X Guitarist Billy Zoom diagnosed with Bladder Cancer - Fund set Up To Help Zoom and Family

Very sad breaking news. But I am joining the countless others wishing Billy Zoom a full recovery from cancer...

Billy Zoom, left, with Exene Cervenka

IMMEDIATE TREATMENT TO BEGIN  – BILLY ZOOM WILL STILL PERFORM AT ORANGE COUNTY ALBUM PLAY SHOWS THIS WEEKEND

REPLACEMENT TO BE NAMED FOR JULY-AUGUST DATES SO X CAN CONTINUE WITH THE TOUR IN SUPPORT OF ZOOM

(Los Angeles, CA – July 8, 2015)  Legendary guitarist, punk legend, and all-around nice guy, Billy Zoom, has been diagnosed with cancer.   Today Zoom was given the news that he has an aggressive form of bladder cancer and immediate treatment is necessary to fight the disease.  The 67-year-old musician/producer/electronics wiz will begin chemo treatment next week. 

In early 2010, Zoom revealed that he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer.  After undergoing a radical prostatectomy, the cancer was caught in its early stages and he was given the ‘all clear’. 

X and Zoom are committed to this weekend’s 4-album play shows at Orange County’s The Observatory where Billy will join his longtime bandmates on stage to play songs from his iconic bands first four albums.  Joining X for these shows will be The Blasters and Mike Watt.

X will continue with their previously announced July and August mid-west and east coast tour dates as planned in support of Billy and his family.  A replacement for Zoom will be announced shortly.

X and manager, Mike Rouse, have begun a fund to help Zoom with his upcoming medical costs. 

Statement from X: 

“In the music community, we all take turns helping each other.

Punk rock and benefits: you name the cause, and the bands and fans will be there. 

Now it's our turn to help Billy Zoom, the wittiest, smartest, nicest, best guitar player & friend we know.  We would do anything to help him get better, help take care of his family, and lessen his woes.

Please keep Billy in your prayers and send some positive energy his way!

Donating a few bucks will take away some of his financial stress and worry.

And it's the punk rock thing to do.”

Please donate to Support Billy Zoom’s Kick Cancer Fight by visiting:

http://www.gofundme.com/yx66a4

Walter Trout tribute a labor of love

My story appears in today's print edition of The Orange County Register, and originally ran on the newspaper's Web site on Wednesday, July 30, 2014.

Walter Trout, left, and Danny Bryant. Photo: courtesy of the artists

A TRIBUTE TO WALTER TROUT

Who: The Walter Trout Band, Danny Bryant, Jon Trout

Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

When: 8 p.m. Friday (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Information: 949-496-8930 or thecoachhouse.com

Walter Trout at Doheny Blues Fest in 2011.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Life’s struggles have long fueled some of the greatest blues artists, so it’s no surprise that longtime Huntington Beach bluesman Walter Trout is making the most of his own challenges. After a lengthy battle with liver disease, Trout, 63, received a liver transplant May 26. His outstanding new album, The Blues Came Callin’, was recorded from April 2013 to January during the midst of his fight with the deadly disease.

“I was in and out of Hoag Hospital and UCLA all during the recording of that thing,” recalled Trout. He received his transplant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is at a rehabilitation center in Omaha.

“It was hard to even schedule the studio (recording time) because I’d say, ‘Next week let’s record Monday, Wednesday, Friday’ and Monday would come and I would feel awful. And I couldn’t even get out of bed, so we’d have to cancel it. And then the next day I’d get up and felt OK, so I’d say, ‘Can we do it today?’ They said, ‘Yeah, come on up,’ and I would drive up to North Hollywood and I would basically play and sing for about two hours, and I would just crash and burn. I would turn around and go home (to Huntington Beach).”

Trout’s previous albums were typically recorded in a month or so, with his rhythm section going in and laying down tracks in less than a week and Trout then providing his powerful vocals and virtuoso guitar work to the brew before keyboards were added and the album was mixed and mastered. The Blues Came Callin’ took almost a year.

“You know, when my liver went off I lost almost 100 pounds in six months. So I lost all the muscles in my arms and my legs; my legs wouldn’t hold me up. So we’re working on that now, and I’ve actually been able to get up and take a couple of laps in the gym using a cane, and that’s been great.”

While Trout continues his recovery, his son Jon Trout, British singer-guitarist Danny Bryant and the Walter Trout Band have embarked on a short tour to celebrate Trout. The ensemble cast will perform at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday night (August 1, 2014).

“The Coach House should be an experience, and I’m really excited to get to do it,” said Jon Trout, Walter’s oldest son. “Having grown up in O.C. means a lot of people who I know and am close to will be there so it will feel incredibly personal to me to be able to play my father’s music to a lot of people who know not just me but my entire family well. Getting to play with a bunch of veterans who have played with my father makes it that much more special, I think.”

Danny Bryant in action.

Danny Bryant, a bonafide legend in his native England, where he has been playing professionally since he was 18, was inspired to play guitar as a youngster after getting his parents to take him to see Walter Trout in concert.

Bryant met Trout at the concert and a few weeks later mailed the guitarist a letter saying he had decided he wanted to dedicate his life to being a musician like Trout. Trout phoned the youngster and told him next time he was in England he would give him some guitar lessons. Keeping that promise was the beginning of a special relationship.

“And so I actually sort of started him off and I’ve watched him over the years mature and develop into a really great artist. I think he’s a great artist. I’m quite proud of him. He’s almost bordering on being my fourth son,” Walter Trout said of Bryant.

Bryant is thrilled to be able to perform in honor of his friend and mentor.

“He is also the kindest person I know, even when he was very seriously ill awaiting his liver transplant, he was still thinking of ways to look after his band and keep them on the road. I think this says a lot. So this is how the idea of the tour came about. Walter has always wanted to help get my career established in America, and originally I was meant to do a support tour with him, but fate intervened and Walter got ill. So as he was so ill and unable to tour, he came up with the idea of bringing me over, to help benefit both the band and myself.”

Walter Trout tearing it up at the Doheny
Blues Festival in Dana Point in May 2011.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

As for Trout, although he had to cancel all his 2014 concert dates, he is working hard on regaining his strength and hopes to begin performing again next year. Anyone who has seen the master singer-songwriter-guitarist knows why.

“I go into a trance when I play,” he said. “I will actually lose any awareness that I have a physical body and I just become the sound … it’s hard not to call that a religious experience. It’s very spiritual for me to play.”

His wife, Marie, has been posting frequent updates on Trout’s battle and recovery from liver disease on WalterTrout.com.

Here is a link to to read my full-length profile of Walter Trout that appeared in The Orange County Register is June 2008. Here is a link to a 2007 feature article I wrote on Trout that also appeared in The Register. Finally, you can read a review of Trout's latest album The Blues Came Callin' on the Music News Nashville site here.