Like A Fool

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Like A Fool" by John Mayall from his 2014 album A Special Life for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a standout on the album, was penned by bassist Greg Rzab, a Chicago native who’s been a cornerstone of Mayall’s band since 2009. In a 2014 review by All About Jazz, Doug Collette praised the song for its "panache," noting how the quick recording process—less than a week—captured a raw, emotionally open vibe. Rzab’s contribution adds a personal touch, reflecting the band’s tight chemistry honed through years of touring. The song’s bluesy groove, layered with Mayall’s signature harmonica and piano, carries a reflective tone, fitting the album’s theme of looking back on a storied career.

Not much has surfaced from Mayall himself about "Like A Fool" in interviews or on social media, as he often let his music speak for itself. However, a 2020 post on Reddit by user BluesMenChannel highlighted the track, calling it a gem in Mayall’s vast catalog, which suggests it resonates with dedicated fans. The album A Special Life, produced by Mayall and Eric Corne at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood, was recorded in November 2013 and marked Mayall’s first studio effort in five years. Blues Magazine noted in 2014 that the album, including tracks like "Like A Fool," showcased Mayall’s ability to blend classic blues with rock and Americana, a testament to his versatility at nearly 80 years old.

John Mayall, born November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, kicked off his musical journey inspired by his father, Murray Mayall, a guitarist who played in local pubs. Growing up in Cheadle Hulme, young John was drawn to American blues giants like Lead Belly and Albert Ammons, teaching himself guitar, harmonica, and piano. After graduating, he worked as an art designer but kept gigging with local bands. In 1956, he formed the Powerhouse Four with college friend Peter Ward, playing dances around Manchester. By 1962, he joined the Blues Syndicate, a group blending jazz and blues, which sharpened his skills at venues like the Twisted Wheel club. In 1963, at age 30, Mayall went full-time, moving to London to form John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, a band that became a launchpad for legends like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor.

Mayall’s career, spanning over six decades, earned him the title "Godfather of British Blues." His band’s 1966 album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton hit number 6 on the UK charts, cementing his influence. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, continuing to evolve his sound with albums like The Turning Point (1969), which embraced acoustic blues and jazz. Mayall retired from touring in 2022 and passed away on July 22, 2024, at 90, leaving a legacy of 36 studio albums and 34 live recordings. His official website, johnmayall.com, offers discography details and updates. You can find him on Facebook (200,700 likes), where his team shares tributes, and on Instagram (@johnmayallofficial) for photos and fan memories. His X account (@JohnMayallBlues) posts occasional updates, though it’s less active since his passing.

Fans keep Mayall’s spirit alive online. The John Mayall Fans Facebook group is a hub for Zoo Freaks and others to share stories, rare photos, and concert memories. Another fan-run site, Discogs, catalogs his vinyl and CDs, perfect for collectors. The Reddit blues community also buzzes with discussions about Mayall’s work, including tracks like "Like A Fool." These platforms show how Mayall’s music, from A Special Life to his early Bluesbreakers days, continues to inspire a global fanbase, grooving along with the Zoo Crew’s vinyl spins.