British blues legend John Mayall will issue a new album, The Sun Is Shining Down, via Forty Below Records on January 28, 2022. Mayall also shared a collaboration with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell, “Chills and Thrills.”
John Mayall knows a thing or two about putting together a great band and the players on The Sun Is Shining Down continue Mayall’s tradition of bringing together incredible musicians, especially guitar players. Along with Campbell, guests on the record include guitarist Marcus King, singer-songwriter and guitarist Buddy Miller, ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, guitarist Melvin Taylor, violinist Scarlet Rivera of Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review and Austin blues guitar favorite Carolyn Wonderland. Holding things together is Mayall’s longtime rhythm section of bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport. Mayall also adds his signature vocal, harmonica and keyboard stylings.
Mayall captured The Sun Is Shining Down — the follow-up to his 2019 album Nobody Told Me — at Strawhorse Studios as well as Horse Latitudes, Robby Krieger’s recording facility, both in Los Angeles. John cut the record with Grammy-nominated producer Eric Corne, who spoke about working with the legendary musician in a press release. “John shines throughout this album, exuding joy and gratitude that are infectious,” he said. “We all want to give that back to him.”
Mayall himself spoke about his experience making The Sun Is Shining Down:
“I couldn’t be happier with the new record,” John said. “I can’t wait to share it with my fans. Each of these special guests brings something unique to the album, and our team works so well together. I think you can hear that chemistry in the music.”
Mayall released the first taste of the new album, “I’m As Good As Gone” featuring Buddy Miller back in 2020 just ahead of his 87th birthday. He now follows with the funky Bernard Allison cut “Chills and Thrills” featuring the Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell. Listen below:
The Sun Is Shining Down Tracklist:
- Hungry And Ready
Featuring Melvin Taylor - Can’t Take No More
Featuring Marcus King - I’m As Good As Gone
Featuring Buddy Miller - Got to Find a Better Way
Featuring Scarlet Rivera - Chills And Thrills
Featuring Mike Campbell - One Special Lady
Featuring Jake Shimabukuro - A Quitter Never Wins
- Deep Blues Sea
Featuring Scarlet Rivera - Driving Wheel
Featuring Melvin Taylor - The Sun Is Shining Down
Featuring Carolyn Wonderland
