JOHN MAYALL

Spring 2007 brought John Mayall's 56th album release on Eagle Records, In The Palace Of The King, an entire studio album that honoured and paid tribute to the music of the Mayall’s long-time hero, Freddie King. The release of this popular tribute album led to such a heavy touring schedule that it began to take its toll on John physically. He reluctantly decided to take time off to re-evaluate his career, deciding in October 2008 to disband and retire the long-standing Bluesbreakers. Mayall went on to make some guest appearances with Mark Hummel's Harmonica Blowout and so enjoyed the freedom that he decided to put together some new musicians with a view to touring on a more limited basis. The reaction to this plan was so positive that two tours of Europe were put together for 2009, including several shows with BB King in the UK. Eagle Records also commissioned John to record a new album, which is slated for release in fall 2009. At 75, John Mayall, the father of six and the grandfather of six more, hopes to keep the blues alive for many more years to come.