---
product_id: 4693489
title: "A Special Life"
brand: "john mayall"
price: "4381 kr"
currency: ISK
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 8
category: "Music"
url: https://www.desertcart.is/products/4693489-a-special-life
store_origin: IS
region: Iceland
---

# A Special Life

**Brand:** john mayall
**Price:** 4381 kr
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** A Special Life by john mayall
- **How much does it cost?** 4381 kr with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.is](https://www.desertcart.is/products/4693489-a-special-life)

## Best For

- john mayall enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted john mayall brand quality
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## Description

As 2013 came to a close and with his 80th birthday mere weeks away, the godfather of British blues quietly entered a North Hollywood Studio with his band, special guest C.J. Chenier and co-producer/engineer Eric Corne. He walked out with one of the finest and most personal records of his career, A Special Life. This new album serves as further testament to John&apos;s boundless talent, vitality and ever-dynamic personality. Along with his accomplished band, he goes back to his roots with an eclectic album centered in the blues but with diversions into rock and Americana. There are three new songs penned by John and one from band members Greg Rzab and Rocky Athas, as well as blues favorites from some of the greats, including Albert King and Jimmy Rogers. C.J. Chenier came to join the party on a couple of tracks (including one written by his father), adding an exciting extra dimension with his vocals and accordion. Slated for a May 13th release via Forty Below Records, this is John&apos;s first studio album in five years, a span during which the band&apos;s chemistry has grown tremendously. It is an instant classic and a must have for any blues/roots music enthusiast!Produced by John MayallCo-produced, engineered, mixed by Eric CorneMastered by Mark Chalecki and Eric Corne

## Images

![A Special Life - Image 1](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61Z-0ix7pVL.jpg)
![A Special Life - Image 2](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Rsr%2B6IovL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I Live A Special Life-Come Join Me, Don't Be Late"
        
*by R***K on May 13, 2014*

Over fifty one years in the business, and John Mayall somehow manages to keep it fresh. His goal was to "make a normal blues album", but with "A Special Life", Mayall has cut the best record of the current band's line-up to date, and his strongest effort since 2007's "In The Palace Of The King".The opening track, Clifton Chenier's "Why Did You Go Last Night" will grab you right away. C.J. Chenier's accordion kicks the tune off, something I can't recall  a John Mayall song ever featuring before. In a recent Billboard interview, Mayall recalls that he was always fond of the song, and his Bluesbreakers used to perform it when Jack Bruce was in the band. "It's far less Zydeco than Blues. I thought it was a perfect time to approach C.J.; his father wrote and sang the song originally, and he was available, so I just contacted him. I hadn't met him before, but he flew in for the day and we nailed it. It was a really great experience"."Speak Of The Devil" was written by slide wizard Sonny Landreth, who also wrote "Congo Square" which Mayall recorded years ago. Dealing with a jealous S.O.B. who abuses his woman, Mayall is her shield ("Get behind me, angel. All hell's gonna break loose"). Texas guitarist Rocky Athas is featured here, and on the Jimmy Rogers standard "That's All Right". Mayall hasn't lost a step on harmonica over the years; in fact, "That's All Right" features some of his strongest harp EVER.On the original "World Gone Crazy", Mayall tackles today's social ills (especially those dealing with organized religion), but his whole approach is different with this release. On older tracks like "Nature's Disappearing" (1970's "USA Union") or "Prisons On The Road" (1971's "Back To The Roots"), he tended to be preachy, here he sounds like a jaded observer. The title track is one of the best Mayall compositions I've heard in years. He obviously enjoys what he does and where he is, but he is aware of the losses he had to endure to get there. Mayall plays tasteful lead guitar on this track  and on his old friend Albert King's "Floodin' In California"."Like A Fool" is an original composition by Athas and bassist Greg Rzab. Throughout the disc, Rzab and Chicago veteran drummer Jay Davenport show why they're considered one of the best rhythm sections performing today. On Mayall's "Heartache", Rzab adds percussion to Davenport's excellent work on the skins, while Mayall's electric piano swirls around them.John Mayall has indeed lead a special life, and this special recording is proof. The current line-up has been together for more than five years, and everyone is at the top of their game. At a very spry eighty years of age, Mayall has plenty of music to record in the years to come.
  

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Improves as it goes. The best tracks are at the end.
        
*by R***N on July 7, 2014*

It took me a while to really get into this album. After a while, I realised it's because of the organisation of tracks. Most albums seem to intersperse the more memorable tracks with lesser tracks through the albums. This album seems to proceed almost sedately from least memorable to outstanding. Certainly the very last track is the strongest IMHO.John Mayall is never less than ultimately professional, and that's certainly true in this case. He's assembled an excellently tight group.His voice has improved with age, losing some of its customary whine (to steal one of his early lyrics). the blues tracks are always well constructed and professionally played. However, I found the album needs to get almost halfway through before there starts to be a real spark. Once found, however, it builds to a wonderful final track replete with some of the best grumbling piano I've heard from Mayall in decades.Mayall's longevity is amazing. His ability to still turn out excellent blues seems undiminished.
  

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just great
        
*by R***M on May 19, 2014*

This is for John Mayall fans, a gem.  A little more mellow in spots but clearly one of his best efforts in my opinion.
  

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*Product available on Desertcart Iceland*
*Store origin: IS*
*Last updated: 2026-02-07*