Dave Mason & John Mayall

This doubleheader features a pair of still very active, highly influential icons of the late '60s/'70s. A blues-oriented singer, harmonica player, guitarist, and keyboardist, the 73-year-old Mayall's most enduring legacy may be as bandleader. His longstanding Bluesbreakers have essentially been the rock equivalent of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers; that is, key training grounds for dozens of up and coming musicians, including Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jack Bruce, John McVie, and Mick Taylor. Mayall's current crop of Bluesbreakers have stayed put far longer than many of their predecessors: Guitarist Buddy Whittington's been around for 12 years; drummer Joe Yuele for 21. Their latest album (Mayall's 56th), In the Palace of the King (Eagle), is a tribute to Texas blues guitarist Freddie King. Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Dave Mason was a co-founder of Traffic, for which he wrote the oft-covered classic "Feelin' Alright." His first solo album, 1970's Alone Together, was a monster hit, but his biggest single was 1977's "We Just Disagree." His fluid guitar style is sometimes deceptively good. It landed him spots on dozens of notable sessions, including Hendrix's Electric Ladyland, the Stones' Beggar's Banquet, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, and a live version of Clapton's Derek and the Dominos. 21+.
Thu., Oct. 18, 8 p.m., 2007