Sun Is Shining Down

On his forthcoming album, "The Sun Is Shining Down", out January 28th, 2022, via Forty Below Records, blues legend John Mayall teams up with a stellar cast to deliver a funky soulful affair punctuated by brass, violins, harmonica and electric ukulele. Special guests include, Mike Campbell, Marcus King, Buddy Miller, Scarlet Rivera, Melvin Taylor and Jake Shimabukuro. Also on hand are Mayall’s longtime dynamic rhythm section of Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums, with Austin’s multi talented and charismatic Carolyn Wonderland on guitar.

Recorded at Robby Krieger’s Horse Latitudes studio with producer Eric Corne, "The Sun Is Shining Down" is Mayall’s 5th studio album for Forty Below Records, a fruitful partnership that began with 2014’s "A Special Life".

“I couldn’t be happier with the new record”, exclaims Mayall. “I can’t wait to share it with my fans. Each one of these special guests brings something unique to the album and our team works so well together. I think you can hear that chemistry in the music”, raves Mayall.

The album explores a range of styles and eclectic instruments. Scarlet Rivera’s violin beautifully compliments 2 Mayall originals, the timely “Got To Find A Better Way” and a spirited reboot of the Mayall classic “Deep Blue Sea”. Mike Campbell sounds like a natural born Bluesbreaker on the funky Bernard Allison cut “Chills & Thrills” and Marcus King sizzles throughout the soulful “Can’t Take No More”, another Mayall original. Buddy Miller’s baritone tremolo guitar adds a unique and memorable flair to the Bobby Rush composition “I’m As Good As Gone”, while Jake Shimabukuro’s electric ukulele is nothing short of astonishing on “One Special Lady”. Melvin Taylor proves why he’s been wowing Chicago blues audiences for decades on “Hungry & Ready” and “Driving Wheel”, and Carolyn Wonderland brilliantly concludes the album with a sensitive moving performance on the title track. As significant as each of these guest turns is, however, they can’t overshadow Mayall’s own spirited vocals, iconic harmonica and lyrical keyboard work.

“John shines throughout this album, exuding a joy and gratitude that are infectious. We all want to give that back to him”, adds producer Eric Corne.