For fans of the Rolling Stones, Cream or Fleetwood Mac, there’s at least one man to thank for his hand in their successes.
John Mayall — nicknamed the Godfather of British Blues — founded the Bluesbreakers, which over the years included the Rolling Stones’ Mick Taylor, Cream’s Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, and Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood.
The blues singer, guitarist, organist and songwriter will roll into the Buskirk-Chumley Theater at 8 p.m. Sunday
Although Mayall’s music career has spanned more than 50 years, he plans to incorporate new elements into his fall tour.
For the first time, he will be performing as part of a trio, according to a press release from Mark Pucci Media. He will be joined by bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport, who have backed him for eight years.
“Having never performed anywhere or at any time without a guitar sidekick, I found that I was able to explore new territories in a trio configuration playing organ, keyboards, harmonica and guitar,” Mayall said in another press release from Mark Pucci Media. “Needless to say, I was surprised at how different and stimulating the experience was for me as a performer.”
Even with the new format, Mayall said the band will perform his old and new music. Mayall’s discography boasts 64 albums, including Bluesbreakers material, live albums, solo work and other compilations.
“Every show is a cross-section of all periods of my career,” Mayall said.
The band tries to represent the entire catalog within one show, he said.
However, it’s a different performance every night of the tour. It also keeps it interesting for the performers.
Mayall’s 2015 studio album “Find a Way to Care” parallels his live show with its mix of original songs, and covers that nod to the past.
Mayall said he finished recording a new album about a month ago called “Talk About That.” It features guest guitarist Joe Walsh of the Eagles, and took one week to record.
Both albums were recorded with Forty Below Records, which Mayall signed to in 2013.
His prior company would leave big gaps in between producing records, he said, which were filled by releasing live albums. When the company didn’t want to produce studio albums anymore, he signed with Forty Below.
“We get things done, that’s for sure,” he said.
Audience members for Sunday’s show will experience Mayall’s music discography from 1965 to present day. They might even get a glimpse into the future, if he previews any songs from “Talk About That,” slated to come out in early 2017, according to the release.
“The blues is alive and well in different interpretations,” Mayall said.
