Speak Of The Devil

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs from THE ZOO are spinning a killer track: Speak of the Devil by the legendary John Mayall from his 2014 album A Special Life. This song, penned by slide guitar wizard Sonny Landreth, is a fiery blues rocker that showcases Mayall’s enduring grit. According to a Blues Blast Magazine review, this version cranks up the tempo from Landreth’s original, with Mayall’s powerful vocals holding strong against Rocky Athas’ blazing guitar. The rhythm section, featuring Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums, locks in tight, driven by Mayall’s Hammond organ chords, making it “slick as can be.” Recorded in just a week at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood, the track captures the tight chemistry of a band that had been touring together for years, as noted in a 2014 All About Jazz review. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a troublemaking man—perfect for the blues’ storytelling tradition.

Another cool tidbit comes from the album’s production. A Special Life, released by Forty Below Records, was Mayall’s first studio effort in five years, and he designed the album’s cover art himself, a nod to his early days as an art designer. In a Billboard interview quoted on Amazon, Mayall aimed to make a “normal blues album,” but the addition of C.J. Chenier’s accordion on tracks like the opener Why Did You Go Last Night gave the record a unique edge. While Speak of the Devil doesn’t feature Chenier, its raw energy reflects Mayall’s knack for blending tradition with fresh vibes. The song’s title, a common phrase, carries a wry tone that All About Jazz described as radiating authenticity, a hallmark of Mayall’s decades-long exploration of the blues.

Now, let’s dive into how John Mayall, the Godfather of British Blues, got his start. Born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, Mayall grew up in Cheadle Hulme, influenced by his father, Murray Mayall, a guitarist who played local pubs. From a young age, he was hooked on American blues icons like Lead Belly, Albert Ammons, and Pinetop Smith, teaching himself piano, guitar, and harmonica. After graduating college, 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 inspired by Alexis Korner’s jazz-blues fusion, performing at venues like the Twisted Wheel club. In 1963, Mayall moved to London, going full-time with music and forming John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, a band that became a launchpad for legends like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor. His rugged voice and innovative style shaped the British blues scene, influencing the entire British Invasion.

Want to keep up with Mayall’s legacy? Check out his official website at www.johnmayall.com for discography and updates. His Facebook page shares fan memories and tributes, especially poignant after his passing in July 2024. While Mayall wasn’t super active on social media, you can find fan-curated content on Instagram under #johnmayall, where fans post vintage photos and clips. On X, search for his name to see fan discussions and retrospectives. For deeper fan connections, join the John Mayall Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and rare recordings. You can also explore fan sites like Last.fm for track insights and similar artists. Keep the blues alive, Zoo Freaks!