Review Summary: John Mayer transcends what a great musician/singer should be. He is as good if not better live than in the studio, which is a rare quality in today's musicians. I fully recommend this to any John Mayer fan or just anyone who wants something to listen to
John Mayer is no doubt one of today's best and most successful musicians on the scene today. Armed with only a guitar as his weapon of choice and a voice as smooth as southern made butter, he can make women fall to their knees and make men envy his very existence. In the studio, Mayer creates magic that is sure to be musical gold. As an artist, he is as versatile as any person in the business. From collaborations with Kanye West to Taylor Swift, Mayer truly has reached out to all ends of the musical spectrum and is universally liked by many.
For this album, you get a glimpse of Mayer at his very best, performing live. John's improvisational style is almost unmatched as he busts out beautiful guitar riffs and produces vocal honey for all to enjoy. As you listen to the album you will be taken on journey of the many musical faces of himself. He starts you off with a spectacular acoustic version of 'Neon'. At first, you don't know what song he is playing because he starts off with a jazzy riff. He seamlessly transitions into the well know riff of the studio version. A prime example of his guitar improvisational ability. He then slows it down with the fan favorite, 'Daughters'. Not a lot is changed here, but let's face it. This song is damn near perfect just the way it is. Not only does he prove that his live songs are as good as his studio versions, He also proves that he is a master of covers. He takes Tom Petty's classic, 'Free Fallin' and makes it his own. Some would argue that this live cover is one of the best they have ever heard. It takes a true musician to take a Petty song and completely re work it while not damaging the song's name. This song remains to be one of his top downloaded songs on iTunes. His jazz set is really where his passion lies. Mayer is a classic jazz musician and along with his band, The John Mayer Trio, spin out some of the best blues/jazz song renditions I have ever heard. The song, 'Come When I Call' makes you reminisce of old time blues joints and smokey bars with a stellar bassist on the tiny stage.
As far as I'm concerned, this is a must have for any John Mayer fan young and old. It is the perfect blend of today's music with the a glimpse of music of old. If you are trying to get into John Mayer for the first time, this might be a little intense at first. Try listening to the studio albums to get the full appreciation of what this album has to offer.
