New John Mayall DVD

Eagle Rock Entertainment has just released a duel documentary John Mayall—The Godfather of British Blues/The Turning Point. The two films, made 34 years apart, explore the legacy of Mayall, whose group the Bluesbreakers has been a virtual finishing school for genre legends.

In a never-ending succession of transient members, the Bluesbreakers have served as a launching pad for Eric Clapton and Cream bandmate Jack Bruce as well as Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones. Fleetwood Mac members John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Peter Green also spent time in the Bluesbreakers’ lineup.

Filmmakers Peter Gibson and Alex Hooper decided to document the revolving-door band in 1969 when they shot their black-and-white The Turning Point, focusing on Mayall, the enigmatic bandleader. Gibson returned in 2003 to direct the hour-long The Godfather of British Blues. Now the two ventures will be offered together, giving a broader representation of the man behind so many musicians.

A companion CD for the project is available as well. The two-disc compilation is the soundtrack to The Turning Point and features live recordings of John Mayall and his band from 1969.

Though Mayall will celebrate his 71st birthday this coming November, he and his band (now comprised of Tom Canning, Hank Van Sickle, Joe Yuele and Buddy Whittington) will be back on the road at the end of the summer.

Tour Dates:

• Aug. 13 - Albany, N.Y., Swyer Theater
• Aug. 14 - Lowell, Mass., Lowell Summer Music Series
• Aug. 20 - Fargo, N.D., Fargo Blues Festival
• Aug. 21 - Wausau, Wis., Big Bull Falls Blues Festival

Got news tips for Paste? Email news@pastemagazine.com.