(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – John Mayall, the “Godfather of British Blues,” performs at the Colonial Theatre on Thursday, March 24, at 8pm. Mayall’s impressive musical career spans over 50 years. The English blues singer, pianist, harmonica player, guitarist, and songwriter founded the band, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, in the 1960s — a group that was a veritable finishing school for blues-rockers who went on to greater fame, including Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and Mick Taylor (in other words, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and the Rolling Stones).

 

Attracted by the West Coast climate and culture, Mayall made his permanent move from England to Los Angeles and began forming bands with American musicians. Throughout the 1970s, Mayall became further revered for his many jazz/rock/blues innovations featuring such notable performers as Blue Mitchell, Red Holloway, Larry Taylor, and Harvey Mandel.

 

Throughout the last three decades, Mayall’s popularity skyrocketed with a succession of dynamic albums including the Grammy Award-nominated “Wake Up Call” that featured guest artists Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Albert Collins, and Mick Taylor.

 

Today, Mayall tours with Rocky Athas on guitar, Jay Davenport on drums, and Greg Rzab on bass.  Together now for over seven years, they are featured players on Mayall’s last four albums, including his latest, “Find a Way to Care.”

 

Tickets to John Mayall are $60, $50 and $35. Contact the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street, Pittsfield by calling 413-997-4444, or online at Colonial Theatre. Ticket Offices are open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm or on any performance day from 10am until curtain.