Search - John Mayall & Bluesbreakers, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers :: Hard Road (Exp)

The Complete Peter Green/John Mayall Recordings!

J. E FELL | Carterville, Illinois United States | 02/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2 cd remastered and expanded edition of John Mayall's "A Hard Road" is a welcome release. Not only does the reissue contain a remastered version of the excellent "A Hard Road" album but it also contains Mayall/Green collaborations from no less than 5 other albums and EPs as well as some non-lp single A & B sides. Other stellar musicians appearing include later Fleetwood Mac mates bassist John McVie & drummer Mick Fleetwood. Ace drummers Aynsley Dunbar and Keef Hartley are present as well as the great American harmonica player Paul Butterfield. Green's replacement Mick Taylor even shows up on the last track. Peter Green is sometimes given short shift among the other blues/rock guitarists from the U.K during this time period like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Alvin Lee. However, Green's B.B. King derived playing while not as flashy as some of the previously mentioned guitarists was always tasteful. The best known tracks from "A Hard Road" include Green's "The Same Way" and "Supernatural". Equally impressive are covers of Freddie King's instrumental "The Stumble" and Willie Cobb's "You Don't Love Me". The complete EP with Paul Butterfield is included with great tracks like "Little By Little". The second disk features mostly single A & B sides and outtakes from the album sessions on the first disk. Green wrenches emotion from the cover of Otis Rush's "So Many Roads" and goes solo for a rendition of J.B. Lenoir's "Alabama Blues". Four tracks on the second disk are recorded as a trio without the aid of leader John Mayall and anticipate Peter Green's work in Fleetwood Mac. Great tracks like "Sitting In The Rain", "Jenny" and "Picture On The Wall" prove to be both haunting and memorable. While Eric Clapton's stint in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers might be more familiar to casual listeners, Mayall's band with Peter Green proves to be just as rewarding. This is one of the better reissues of the past year!"

Great Collection Done Right-The Peter Green Years

N. Wakabayashi | Jawsey | 10/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had no idea they were reissuing this great, overlooked album until recently. Obviously, this is one of the most essential British Blues albums recorded, as it showcases Peter Green's early talents as a musician. But let's look at the other variables us consumers would be inquiring about.Remastering wise... in my honest opinion, I really couldn't tell if there was THAT much of a difference. Nothing really jumped out in regards to the audio quality for my ears. However, in regards to re-packaging, it's all right here for the "Greenie Years" with The Bluesbreakers. I didn't see it mentioned on Amazon, but this is a two cd set that includes the more obscure sides(and some of them are tremendous gems)that were on Looking Back, Thru the Years, & etc (including the sides recorded w/ Paul Butterfield). Whomever was in charge of this project really put in the effort to give the Peter Green fans what they WANTED, as it collects many things into one place. Very, very convenient. A 5 star packaging job.I do wonder if they are going to do something similar for the Mick Taylor years...."

The Peter Green collection

Blues Bro | Lakewood, Colorado USA | 12/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some of us sweated blood to get these tracks from different albums a long time ago. Now here they are collected: the amazing guitar work of Peter Green in all its glory with the bluesbreakers. The best thing that can be said about John Mayall is that he was a generous spirit and could recognize talent: he gave Peter the spotlight in many tracks, allowing him to record various guitar instrumentals and even sing on many tracks. Some of the best performances of Peter Green career are on this CD: Supernatural, the stumble, alabama blues, greeny... too many to mentioned. Essential listening for anybody who likes Peter Green, the blues, guitar...just great music."