John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert Blu-ray Review

Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert offers a 1080i live transfer that is visually impressive. The concert, recorded live in Liverpool, England on July 19th, 2003, is vividly brought to life by the Blu-ray format. The detail captured in the transfer is noteworthy, with clarity and contrast standing out among recent releases from Eagle Rock Entertainment. The color scheme—dominated by blue, red, and purple spotlights—is reproduced with precision, adding richness to the visual experience. Motion-judder is minimal and multiple camera angles are utilized effectively, capturing both musicians and audience without any noticeable flaws.

The stage lighting and moderate use of stage smoke augment the visual effects without distorting the musicians' appearance. The ambience created by the hues of blue, pink, and green is depicted accurately. The musicians perform on a black stage and wear predominantly black or neutral colors, which are well differentiated and do not bleed into each other. Subtle details, such as imperfections on cymbals and different gradations of black, are discernible. Although the audience reaction shots are not captured in high definition and thus stand out in contrast when switching between views, there are no visible imperfections even when cameras face directly into the stage lighting.

In summation, this transfer showcases excellent technical execution, ensuring fans receive a top-tier visual representation of this historic concert. The Blu-ray’s fidelity in capturing intricate details along with its effective handling of color and lighting makes it a standout release that genuinely enhances the viewing experience for all enthusiasts of John Mayall and his legendary band.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert" is available in three options: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM 2.0. The standout choice among these is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which offers exceptional depth and clarity. This track encompasses a rich bass and crystal-clear vocals, with supporting instruments notably distinct. The mix is expertly balanced, featuring significant rear channel movement that enhances the live concert experience. Additionally, there are no fluctuations, pops, cracks, or hissing detected in this track, marking it as an industry-leading audio experience.

Comparatively, the LPCM 2.0 track provides stability but lacks the dynamic range and immersion of DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. It does not present any balance issues, yet its dynamics are weaker and less convincing. Similarly, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track, while proficient, falls short in comparison. It has a narrower range and requires higher volume adjustments to adequately perceive the audio spectrum. Despite these compromises, both alternate tracks manage to avoid unwanted noises like pops or hisses.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is distinctly superior for this Blu-ray presentation, facilitating a well-rounded auditory experience with balanced highs and lows, enveloping audience ambiance in the surrounds, and a robust yet non-overpowering subwoofer presence. Whether you are scrutinizing the bass or appreciating the subtleties of electric piano, this track ensures an exemplary rendering of the live concert atmosphere.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert" offer insights and additional performances that enhance the main feature. The Interview with John Mayall provides an engaging look into Mayall's storied career, passion for music, and collaborations with renowned musicians, supported by rehearsal footage to add depth. However, presenting the Bonus Tracks separately feels disjointed and somewhat arbitrary. Despite this, the performances such as "Grits Ain't Groceries," "Jacksboro Highway," and "California" showcase the notable talents of Whittington on vocals and Van Sickle's impressive bass playing during Mick Taylor’s solo. This segment rounds off with band introductions by Mayall, potentially preceding the encore, offering fans an extensive look into the concert.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with John Mayall: The blues legend discusses his past, passion for music, and notable collaborations.
• Bonus Tracks: Additional concert performances featuring standout moments by band members.

Recorded live on July 19, 2003, in Liverpool, England, "John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert" is a remarkable celebration of John Mayall's influential career in music. At 70, Mayall captivates with his vibrant voice, energetic harmonica solos, and adept piano skills. His long-time band, The Bluesbreakers—featuring Buddy Whittington (guitar & vocals), Joe Yuele (drums), Hank Van Sickle (bass guitar), and Tom Canning (organ & piano)—reaffirms their passion for blues music. Notable appearances include Eric Clapton performing on tracks like "No Big Hurry," "Please Mr. Lofton," and "Hoochie Coochie Man"; Mick Taylor joins for several songs, and Chris Barber lends his trombone talent, enriching the concert's dynamic range.

The concert's energy is palpable, as musicians share genuine camaraderie on stage while the audience's enthusiasm matches this spirited display. Technically, the concert is excellently executed with multiple strategically positioned cameras capturing every angle of the vibrant performances. The stage lighting, though simple, effectively complements the musical atmosphere.

From the initial "Southside Story," which starts modestly but steadily builds in quality, to engaging numbers like "Blues For The Lost Days" with a truly inspired performance from Mick Taylor, the concert exhibits a compelling progression. Clapton’s reunion with Mayall on "No Big Hurry" is intimate and beautifully understated. Chris Barber's participation in "Please Mr. Lofton" showcases his lasting impact on British blues. Highlights also include Clapton’s emotional and masterful execution on "Have You Heard," which crescendos to a standing ovation. The closing ensemble performance of "Talk To Your Daughter" with all the guest artists is a fittingly exuberant finale to an extraordinary milestone event in the history of blues music.

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert captures an unforgettable evening that blends outstanding musicality with nostalgic charm. This Blu-ray, released by Eagle Rock Entertainment, delivers an exemplary audio-visual experience, featuring crystal-clear sound and pristine imagery that truly does justice to the live performance. John Mayall's passion and energy are palpable throughout, as he and his venerable Bluesbreakers, along with distinguished guests, bring the stage to life.

The concert marks a milestone in Mayall's illustrious career, and his ability to still command the stage at 70 is nothing short of inspiring. The performances are tight, energetic, and filled with the soulful blues that Mayall has been synonymous with. Each track is delivered with precision and fervor, showcasing the band’s exceptional talent. The guest appearances add an extra layer of excitement and tribute to Mayall's vast influence on the genre. From blues standards to original compositions, the setlist is well-curated to celebrate this legendary musician’s contributions.

For fans and newcomers alike, this Blu-ray serves as both a perfect introduction to John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and a heartfelt tribute to a life spent dedicated to blues music. The technical quality of the Blu-ray enhances the viewing experience, ensuring that every note and nuance can be fully appreciated.

In conclusion, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert is one hell of a show! From start to finish, it is incredibly entertaining. Don't miss it! The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment, looks and sounds terrific. We give it our Highest Recommendation!