Re: John Mayer New Single: "Shadow Days"
RiverCat:
I agree his (John's) blues guitar playing doesn't define him as a guitar player or come across as much of anything original, and thats fine, but it is a good thing that some people who may not have previously had an interest in Blues Music might now have an elevated curiosity in it due to hearing John play his versions of blues classics etc.. I have always thought his voice and more acoustic music have defined who he is but also I think he breathes some fresh life into older blues songs making them more appealing to a newer generation of listeners. Regardless if it were blues, jazz, funk or whatever he was doing, I think its good to broaden your musical horizons and give other things a listen. Don't have to like it, but nothing wrong in trying new things.
I agree with a number of what you said here. For me I find him to be a more heady and technical player and actually think he has more leanings to the jazz side. I like some of his music, but pick and choose when it comes to him.
That said, When you change and say I am going to be Blues and you are so arrogant to anoint yourself as "the only one", then bring it. He didn't and is nowhere close to doing it.
With all the blues guitarists out there, he didn't say he would do it with all these other new blues people. Just him, by himself.
And actually, I don't care for his blues because I don't get the feeling or fire from him. It's listenable, but not gut-wrenching. I don't care for his voice either.
I actually introduce young people to Dave Meniketti. They are blown away when they see this Rocker play with so much feeling, soul and fire and hard to beat vocals. That's just one of many including the BluesMasters.
It is good to broaden your musical horizons and that is why it is good there is a variety. By the way, I am a prog-metal girl I'll wait for him to crossover to that realm