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John Mayer - Opened My Ears

I've heard John Mayer on the radio over the past years. I like his pop songs but was not overlay impressed to be honest. I recently watched via You Tube - Live in Los Angeles, Live on Letterman. Holy cow!!!! I heard numerous songs not played on my local pop stations and remakes of the songs I do know that really captured my attention. His live performances far exceed his radio played material. The 2008 Live in Los Angeles concert was broken up in three sets - acoustic, blues like trio, and the full band. He's also appeared on Clapton's Crossroads concert. His guitar skills really blew me away. He's certainly one of the premier talents of his generation. I would suggest given more years and material he'll solidify his place to the likes of Simon, Dylan...... That's a bold statement but he certainly has the talent to reach that mark. I hope to see him live someday!!!!
pdspecl
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I missed that bit in the OP.

Dylan and Paul Simon seem to me odd choices, indeed, for JM to aspire to. IHO, his strength is his playing, which demonstrates real technique and occasional inspiration. His trio - Pino Paladino, in particular - is an impressive blues outfit and, when Mayer hits his stride, they shine. If you want to shoot for the stars, speculate that he'll develop a more consistent, personal guitar sound and perhaps grow into another Larry Carlton (on the one side) or maybe Paul Kossof (on the other). But Dylan or Paul Simon? I don't see that.
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raytheprinter
1,234 posts
 
I listened to some of his stuff on youtube last night,,,,I just can't warm up to his voice.Not my cup o tea. He does seem to have a lot of fans.
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runnerlk
3 posts
 
I've seen him 4 times. 3 times with the trio and once in 1999 on a whim went to a lil club in Alabama and out comes this skinny kid that proceeds to sit down and play an unaccompanied electric set that featured Wind Cries mary and Lenny. Gave me goose bumps and I am a jazz/blues guitarist. While I admit he's a little strange and I don't approve of his lifestyle then man can jam.
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ghosthouse
4,306 posts
 
Martyk1 again with the incisive comment.
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mapman
22,199 posts
 
"Dylan and Paul Simon seem to me odd choices, indeed, for JM to aspire to."

Even if a reasonable goal, which it is not IMHO, please no. Been there, done that. Let these new guys choose their role models, but do their own unique thing, whatever that is, for better or for worse. Do not strangle their potential by labeling them the new "fill in the blank". Who cares? one may draw their comparisons as they wish though I suppose.
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