Looking Back – JOHN MAYALL****

Mr James/Blues City Shakedown/Stormy Monday/So Many Roads/Looking Back/Sitting In The Rain/It Hurts Me Too/Double Trouble/Suspicions (Part Two)/Jenny/Picture On The Wall

Looking Back was a compilation album of tracks recorded since 1964 that had not previously appeared on any previous John Mayall LP. It provides another opportunity to hear the guitar wizardry of Eric Clapton and Peter Green. (US:79 UK:14)

“Looking Back draws its material from singles that never made it onto an album, and covers the years 1964 through 1968. However, it has the context, mood and tenor, to stand as a fully fledged release. Historically, it is of extreme relevance to all blues music fans.”

“So many talented artists passed through The Bluesbreakers that it almost requires a scorecard; with the most notable being presented here, along with some sincere surprises. Stormy Monday is a brilliant track from 1966 that featured both Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. Peter Green is showcased on Sitting In The Rain, laying out some stunning finger picking. Of course the list is endless, but some of the other musicians include Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor, Jon Mark, Andy Fraser, Aynsley Dunbar, and the all but forgotten Dick Heckstall-Smith. All in all, this is just a really great release.”

“This is when Clapton was at the peak of his blues prowess. You don't hear many like this anymore.”

“Yes, Eric Clapton is here, and he sounds great. But the real treasure is the playing of Peter Green, one of the greatest white blues guitar players ever. Mayall brought many greats into the limelight and got their careers started. This album is great and should be a part of every blues/rock collection.”

“If you like white blues this is a lovely recording. Who cares that it is a compilation rather than all of piece? Stormy Monday is breathtaking Clapton recorded live. You can see why he was so influential to heavy rock - unmistakable and very powerful. Still in my view Peter Green provides the tastiest additions to many of the tracks. As usual with these Decca/London Mayall recordings the sound is just lovely and the band is wonderfully full of character.”