John Mayer (Page 1 of 2)

I have a Mayer dvd from Austin city limits thats pretty good.  He's joined by Buddy Guy and he holds his own.  Looks like he's having alot of fun.  Can't really listen to his radio hits. To poppy for me.  My 2 cents ....

I've seen him three times. Each time gets better.

John Mayer lack street credibility with some fans for whatever reason. Most likely his pop sucess from 2002. That was five years ago. It appears he is in good with the blues artists themselves though - clapton, guy, bb king, etc.

Think of blues players that went pop: Steve Winwood, Rod Stewart - it is a two way street in my opinion. Let JM do his thing. I'd say the bottom line is this. If you want blues to be on the radio? The blues needs JM. It could help save the blues. If gospel players in the old days could switch to blues back then, then why not pop players today?

I think blues fans for the most part have their arms wide open no matter who is playing it. I guess its not everybody though.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
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He does play a TON of guitar at his gigs. I was personally more a fan of his guitar playing a few years back before anyone in the genereal public even knew he played electric guitar, he'd still do long solos and Hendrix covers every now and then and his playing was alot cleaner and more interesting imo, it seems like his playing has become a bit sloppy and reckless and relying alot on Clapton esque ideas lately. That said he still puts on a great show and is probably one of the better guitarists out of male singer songwriters.

The only thing I don't agree with is that I think he is getting a little TOO much praise for his playing. There are tons of other guitarists out there that are far better players and actually taking the guitar to another level, (eg Joe and Philip Sayce) who don't get any recognition. I think some of the media and his fans are getting confused John is not where he is due to his guitar playing, its because of his songwriting.

He is up there with all the success stories of the last few years that I just don't get.

White Stripes, Dave Mathews, Flaming Lips, Wilco. If I had to pick my poison I would choose Mayer to drive me insane.

I did like his solo at Crossroads on his last song that I saw briefly.  I can only wish that his message board has as much Bonamassa as this message board has Mayer.

Message to John. If you want to be partly responsible for saving the blues then invite a guy named Bonamassa to tour with you.

Jess-Personally I think Clapton embraced Mayer primarily because of his songwriting abilities.

And jim-there is something very similar about Dave Matthews and John Mayer's style of singing.   The White Stripes popularity totally puzzles me. (no offense to any fans) There are some songs that are so rough, raw and primitive, I feel like I could get a few kindergarteners to bang on my drum set and scream a little and sound just as good!  I like some of their more polished songs. I've tried really hard to like them, it's like a bad relationship...too much work!

I can just see it now...

Joe: We're going on first!
John: No, we're going on first - but we're pulling out all the stops!

Remind you of something? The Who/Jimi Hendrix concert of course.

Danny

Don't forget (how could anyone?) The Killer!!! Top setting the piano on fire, bub!
Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! "
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I've been a major Mayer fan for about 5 years now. It'll be interesting to hear how his career pans out and where his next album will take him. I agree that his songwriting is really unique and the songs harmonic structures are quite complex. He's got the talent to be as good a guitarist as probably anyone, it seems like he doesn't work on it that much anymore (not practising) which is something I've noticed from following his career for so long. As far as being a legendary guitarist I don't know if hes pushing the boundaries or doing much different from other people. That said some of his right hand techniques are pretty unique as is his chordal work. I'd like to hear him really stretch out his soloing capabilities and show some improvement because if he could I'd say he could go down in history as a legendary guitarist and show all the doubters up.

And I think the idea of him getting Joe to open would be awesome but I don't know if John would feel like soloing after having Joe burn the place up!!!