The Turning Point has often been labeled as one of the best blues albums of all time, and for good reason. Recorded in the summer of 1969 at the Fillmore East, John Mayall leads one of the tightest, wildest four-pieces in blues history through an hour of relentlessly energetic music.
Strap yourself in for some serious fun.
While listening:
- notice the absence of percussion in this group, and that how the space it leaves gives miles of room for the other members to explore their dynamic and textural potential
- give Johnny Almond credit for contributing to both the rhythm and solo sections of the tune thanks to his versatility on both the sax and flute. Supporting the groove for the first two minutes of the tune, he hops on the flute at 2:55 and takes us on one hell of a ride!
- in a rare instrumental combination, listen to Almond’s flute interweave beautifully with Mayall’s harmonica at 4:30-5:25. I’m not sure if I should be more impressed with Almond’s ability to mimic the timbre of the harmonica, or with Mayall’s ability to keep up with an instrument as comparatively complex as the flute
Other favorites from The Turning Point include:
"California" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqcqZlFMUYQ)
"Roxanne" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6P-szrdBaA)
"Hard to Share" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HXFcChGn6Y)
SOOOO GOOD! And this blog is awesome man! Keep it going!!!!!
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