John Mayall, the “godfather of British blues,” wraps up a four-night Hawaiian tour Sunday with a performance on Kaua‘i.
Over his illustrious 50-plus year career in music, Mayall has lost count of how many times he’s made it out to the Islands.
“It’s all just a blur,” he said over the phone last week. “We keep coming back regularly.”
Presented by Lazar Bear, The British Blues Explosion tour features Mayall with his band of the last five years, along with a special acoustic set by Kim Simmonds, founder and guitarist of Savoy Brown. Simmonds will also join Mayall during his set. The Kaua‘i performance begins at 6 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center in Puhi.
Mayall, the legendary singer-songwriter-guitarist-keyboardist, is best known as the founder of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s, which over the years featured some names you may have heard of — Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, Jack Bruce and Mick Taylor.
“Everybody that’s ever worked with me were chosen by me because of what they brought to the table,” Mayall said.
His comment should shine some light on what Kaua‘i fans have in store for them Sunday. Mayall’s band, formed in 2008, features Texas guitar wizard Rocky Athas, Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums.
Mayall said the group has “proved to be the most exciting” thus far and that Sunday’s audience can expect a mixed plate of old and new music.
“The way we play is extraordinary,” he said. “It’s been really exciting so far, and very encouraging that people have responded to my interpretation of blues and jazz.”
Nearing age 80, Mayall hasn’t missed a beat. He continues to perform upwards of 100 shows a year and has concerts scheduled later this summer in Brazil, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland and the Czech Republic.
Just as he has since 1956, Mayall continues to find pleasure in performing for his loyal fan base.
“I love to play anywhere where there’s an audience,” he said.
For now, Mayall’s sights are set on Hawai‘i, with four concerts on four islands in four days. He said he is looking forward to the trip, although “there’s never much time to hang out and enjoy the weather.”
Tickets for the event cost $40 in advance, $55 for premium seating and can be purchased at select island retailers, including Kaua‘i Music & Sound (Kapa’a), Papaya’s Natural Foods (Kapa‘a), Healthy Hut Natural Foods (Kilauea), Hanalei Strings & Things, Progressive Expressions (Koloa) and Scotty’s Music (Kalaheo).
A live auction, including a signed guitar and other instruments, will benefit the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s Junior Lifeguard Program. Visit www.lazarbear.com or call 896-4845 for tickets.
