John Mayall - The Godfather of British Blues / The Turning Point

This DVD combines two documentaries about legendary bluesman John Mayall, both directed by Peter Gibson. ’The Turning Point’ captures John Mayall & Bluesbreakers at a critical point in their hugely influential career. Following from the last tour by the “Laurel Canyon” line up in May 1969, Mayall made two big decisions to relocate to the USA, and secondly, to form a new, more acoustic based lineup which would not feature drums. There are interviews with both the old line up and the new, and from departed members including Peter Green, John McVie and Eric Clapton as the film follows the first UK dates with the new format Bluesbreakers.

’The Godfather Of British Blues’ was made to celebrate John Mayall’s 70th birthday in autumn 2003 and was shown on BBC TV in conjunction with their broadcast of his 70th birthday concert. It traces his career of over 40 years playing the blues through contributions from himself, his family, fellow musicians, colleagues and friends in interviews and performances. This is complimented by rare archive film from all periods of his life to create the definitive musical biography.