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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
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,993 posts
 
I've seen him live three times, once with the John Mayer Trio.

I was blown away also. He is one of the best guitar players that I have ever seen. I was flabbergasted by his ability and playing. I really didn't think he was anything more than a "pop" star.

I have always liked his stuff, but his live shows are spectacular.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
He's a really skilled player for sure. If you only know the pop songs, I'm not at all surprised to hear you say that it's startling to hear him get after it on a guitar. That said, I blow hot and cold on his musical choices - sometimes they blow me away and other times he leaves me wanting more.
mgattmch
573 posts
 
If you really want to see/hear how good John Mayer is, try the blu-ray recording of "Queen of California" on the 2013 Crossroads concert. This is not only my go to "lets show off the HT system" demo disc, the music will also send tingles down your spine. It really is that good and IMHO establishes John Mayer as one of, if not the best, electric guitar players in there world.
bojack
652 posts
 
Yep, highly underrated in every meaningful category. I also happen to feel he is a superb songwriter. I have nearly all of his albums, and IMO they are all good in their own way.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,316 posts
 
Read an interesting interview with him in Rolling Stone a good while back (he might have been on the cover). Among many other things, he talked about getting back on top of his game as a musician. As part of those comments he mentioned getting re-involved in the details - like evaluating cables. Don't recall the exact quote but it caught me by surprise since it seems the prevailing wisdom is this is an area of interest only for "audiophiles". Agree with others about his talents. Do think he's a good song writer.
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