John Mayall's Bluesbreakers: Live at Iowa State University

In this guitar-saturated 1987 concert, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers rock the house at Iowa State University's Maintenance Shop. British singer/multi-instrumentalist Mayall, who relocated to California in the late-1960s, performs nine numbers with guitarists Walter Trout and Coco Montoya, drummer Paul Hines, and bass player Bobby Haynes. At the time, the quintet was touring in support of Mayall's well received comeback effort, 1985's Behind the Iron Curtain. While the frontman once nurtured future greats such as Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green, fellow axe man Montoya previously played with Albert Collins, while Trout worked with Big Mama Thornton, Canned Heat, and Joe Tex (both Montoya and Trout would step out as band leaders in the 1990s). Aside from his own solos on guitar, harmonica, and organ, Mayall allows his fellow string-benders the opportunity to shine, with Trout adding fluid lines to most selections (notably “Birthday Blues” and “Parchman Farm”) and Montoya taking the spotlight for “Stepping Out.” The audience watches in quiet appreciation until the closing numbers, “One Life to Live” and “Room to Move,” which brings them to their feet. Presented with a soft but serviceable image and stereo sound, DVD extras include text bios and discographies, as well as a very brief backstage interview with Mayall. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)