John Mayall — California
Album: Turning PointAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 4529
Length: 9:20
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Going back to California
So many good thing around
Don't want to leave California
The sun seems to never go down
Some people may treat you ugly
Some people beautiful too
That's the way life is all over
Look for the good things for you
California
There's a good place to be
California
That's where I'm feeling so free
California
I'll be back there before long
I'll be back there before long
I'll be back there before long
So many good thing around
Don't want to leave California
The sun seems to never go down
Some people may treat you ugly
Some people beautiful too
That's the way life is all over
Look for the good things for you
California
There's a good place to be
California
That's where I'm feeling so free
California
I'll be back there before long
I'll be back there before long
I'll be back there before long
Comments (570)add comment
R.I.P. You gave us so much of your passionate self. Thank you!
RIP Mr Mayall. You were a mighty figure on the music scene, and I thank you for all the wonderful music.
This was my dad's very favorite song .. we asked him before he passed away 18 months ago and played it at his celebration of life.
Great album!
Great album!
Bought this in '69. I was 18trs old. My vinyl long gone. But whichever way I hear it.....still as good as that 1st time.
The best music in this universe.
Ok, if we can't get a 15 button, how about an exponent button?
This is at least a 10 squared....
This is at least a 10 squared....
1969. Just recently obtained the LP.
This one grew from 5 to 10. Might get even bigger.
I was wrong, it's not a 9. It's a 10.
A lovely song that reminds me of my younger years spent in California.
It also reminds me of Tom Petty and how much he loved California;
"California's been good to me,
Hope it don't fall into the sea,
Sometimes you've got to trust yourself,
It ain't like anywhere else."
It also reminds me of Tom Petty and how much he loved California;
"California's been good to me,
Hope it don't fall into the sea,
Sometimes you've got to trust yourself,
It ain't like anywhere else."
Makes me think of the Homeland series
ChrisinSIsters wrote:
Excellent grouping. Could listen to these two ad infinitum.
As radiant & timeless as The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys.
Excellent grouping. Could listen to these two ad infinitum.
nomnol wrote:
This cut made me buy the LP....used....2 as one picked up an infinite skip.
How does he get that thump....tapping the body....string snap....all I know is it not so clean on the LP.....maybe less capable cartridge in the pass or now?
Great bass! Everyone else gets a musical break but the bass keeps it all together.
This cut made me buy the LP....used....2 as one picked up an infinite skip.
How does he get that thump....tapping the body....string snap....all I know is it not so clean on the LP.....maybe less capable cartridge in the pass or now?
one of my rare 10s. Superb musicianship and direction. There is only one John Mayall. Shredding steel into his 80s.
The Bluesbreakers.
The most influential band in the history of RnR music, given the members of the band?
The most influential band in the history of RnR music, given the members of the band?
I already have tinnitus!
I really like this music until it gets all high and squealy in the middle somewhere... then down goes the volume for little bit.
The bear is still rolling in the shade.
This and "Jazz / Blues Fusion" are what got me turned on to John Mayall. A legend in modern music.
If not noted below, this was recorded at the Fillmore East.
If not noted below, this was recorded at the Fillmore East.
stevesaw wrote:
I was talking with my step-mom the other day. She's going through a house full of stuff since my dad passed. She asked if I wanted some speakers. What kind I asked. Well the bedroom ones are Realistic (oh, no thanks), and then in the living room there are these --- A. D. V. E... (YES!, keep those!!). Looking forward to listening to appropriate era music on them - like this.
Ten years ago, I gave my "big" Advent speakers to a son for safekeeping while I ventured overseas for several months. He still has them. Hope they're playing good stuff for him!
I was talking with my step-mom the other day. She's going through a house full of stuff since my dad passed. She asked if I wanted some speakers. What kind I asked. Well the bedroom ones are Realistic (oh, no thanks), and then in the living room there are these --- A. D. V. E... (YES!, keep those!!). Looking forward to listening to appropriate era music on them - like this.
Ten years ago, I gave my "big" Advent speakers to a son for safekeeping while I ventured overseas for several months. He still has them. Hope they're playing good stuff for him!
zenhead wrote:
Bass player here. The steady repetitive beat allows all other band members -- including the drummer -- to riff at will. That constant beat anchors the tempo and the key, while others can soar and syncopate and play triplets and sextuplets. (And it ain't easy to keep it rolling steady, brother.)
There's a reason the bass is included in "the rhythm section."
Surely there must be another track from Mayall to play. As iconic as this is, it gets as tiresome as the baseline.
Bass player here. The steady repetitive beat allows all other band members -- including the drummer -- to riff at will. That constant beat anchors the tempo and the key, while others can soar and syncopate and play triplets and sextuplets. (And it ain't easy to keep it rolling steady, brother.)
There's a reason the bass is included in "the rhythm section."
Edweirdo wrote:
I am a bass player with some experience: Can't say it's only Mr Mayall, but that arrangement is very unusual. I'd worry that my heavy 70s-era Precision Bass would fall off when I'm grooving.
I'm not a guitar player (I'm a pianist) but I've played in bands most of my life, and I've never seen a right-handed guitarist with the strap over his right shoulder - is this common or just John Mayall?
I am a bass player with some experience: Can't say it's only Mr Mayall, but that arrangement is very unusual. I'd worry that my heavy 70s-era Precision Bass would fall off when I'm grooving.
I'm not a guitar player (I'm a pianist) but I've played in bands most of my life, and I've never seen a right-handed guitarist with the strap over his right shoulder - is this common or just John Mayall?
RicoDrumz wrote:
I was in the other room and could barely hear RP. But I caught a wisp of the bass line, instantly recognized it, and it brought me in to listen to this great song. Oh, and if you listen through, there is some really nice bass later on that is far from repetitive.
Love John Mayall, but because of the extreme repetitiveness of the bass line in this song , I give it only a three... 
I was in the other room and could barely hear RP. But I caught a wisp of the bass line, instantly recognized it, and it brought me in to listen to this great song. Oh, and if you listen through, there is some really nice bass later on that is far from repetitive.
Surely there must be another track from Mayall to play. As iconic as this is, it gets as tiresome as the baseline.
Around 1970 I was at his show in Amsterdam. No drummer. He wore a belt with about 35 harmonicas, of which he used 4 or 5. Great dedication. Amazing concert, a real eyeopener.
Love John Mayall, but because of the extreme repetitiveness of the bass line in this song , I give it only a three...
Having just turned 89 Mayall has announced his retirement from touring. Gee, retiring so early in ones career and mentoring. Kids these days, sheesh.
wow sure wish I could have seen this performance, what a great song.
As radiant & timeless as The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys.
This song takes me back to when I lived in LA. My next door neighbors would drink and listen to loud music (actually, they were quite entertaining). When this song would come on, they would pretty much turn the volume to 11. Always love hearing this song.
gentlegiantfinn wrote:
Patience, young one. Listen to the entire statement before judging. Tolerance is a good thing.
I didn't like the beginning with the vocals. Good thing that I was away from the next song button. The rest of the song more than made up for it.
Patience, young one. Listen to the entire statement before judging. Tolerance is a good thing.
catnip wrote:
Excellent
Listened to this today, driving the slow national road down the east coast of Spain with the sunset to the right, sometimes full in the face. Glorious; the kilometres went by easily, the cardboard-cutout mountains turning different shades of grey and purple as the music played out. No overtaking, just a jamming band, a good stereo, and the feeling that someone got it right.
Not California, but this will do nicely.
Excellent
villegasmiguel wrote:
... and sax and throbbing bass and Mr. Mayall's always understated vocals ... and they hit these notes while playing LIVE! Playing in Mayall's band was a stepping stone for so many great musicians.
Haven't hear this one before. Flute and harmonica is a rare combination. A master playing, this is just superb.
... and sax and throbbing bass and Mr. Mayall's always understated vocals ... and they hit these notes while playing LIVE! Playing in Mayall's band was a stepping stone for so many great musicians.
What a great talent on display. Cruises along nicely.
I just changed my rating from a 9 to a 10! What was I thinking?!
I didn't like the beginning with the vocals. Good thing that I was away from the next song button. The rest of the song more than made up for it.
My brain just grew a new receptor for this to click into.
thewiseking wrote:
Wrong, as usual.
A pointless cover, really. This kind of stuff is heard at every Guitar Center
Wrong, as usual.
joelbb wrote:
Bass-icly
Glad you spelled it that way because "Bassically" is a Black Sabbath song.
Bass-icly
Glad you spelled it that way because "Bassically" is a Black Sabbath song.
thewiseking wrote:
It appears that your wisdom is showing signs of deterioration. Cover?
A pointless cover, really. This kind of stuff is heard at every Guitar Center
It appears that your wisdom is showing signs of deterioration. Cover?
nomnol wrote:
So the basis is that the bass is the base of this song?
Bass-icly
So the basis is that the bass is the base of this song?
Bass-icly
RParadise wrote:
That's because he's working without a drummer (intentionally) and so it's the base that keeps the tempo and the rhythm.
So the basis is that the bass is the base of this song?
That's because he's working without a drummer (intentionally) and so it's the base that keeps the tempo and the rhythm.
So the basis is that the bass is the base of this song?
nomnol wrote:
That's because he's working without a drummer (intentionally) and so it's the base that keeps the tempo and the rhythm.
Great bass! Everyone else gets a musical break but the bass keeps it all together.
That's because he's working without a drummer (intentionally) and so it's the base that keeps the tempo and the rhythm.
TerryS wrote:
I used to play say. Wait, no I didn't! Everything's relative. Got chills with that high note. Could visualize his face as he was on his way up. Not easy. Wow. (Hmm, it just occurred to me. I wonder if hitting high notes could be a cause of glaucoma. Laughing, but serious.)
Every time I hear this piece I think 'Not again', then I get hooked into the rhythm and cannot get anything done until the sax high note. Wait - there's more to come.
Having bought the album soon after its release, I must have heard it Xhundred times.
Still enjoy it.
Get him in the Hall of Fame. NOW.
I used to play say. Wait, no I didn't! Everything's relative. Got chills with that high note. Could visualize his face as he was on his way up. Not easy. Wow. (Hmm, it just occurred to me. I wonder if hitting high notes could be a cause of glaucoma. Laughing, but serious.)
Great!
Great bass! Everyone else gets a musical break but the bass keeps it all together.
Carmel, California, 1973 .... takes me all the way back.
I usually like this kind of stuff. Today, I had to hit the next button.
dog gone it! I'm trying to get housework done before a weekend holiday, but Bill keeps playing songs that make you sit down and immerse...this and Chris Rea's Road to Hell before.
It's the annual fund drive, please help keep this incredible archive of wonderful music alive.
LLRP
It's the annual fund drive, please help keep this incredible archive of wonderful music alive.
LLRP
rita_johnson wrote:
We still do that at our house on occasion. Sublime.
Makes me very nostalgic for those long-ago days when we would get stoned and listen to records. Yes, records. LPs. Getting lost in the music. Sigh.
We still do that at our house on occasion. Sublime.
Heard this first year of college 69 & bought for unique vocal percussion of Room to Move , then there was the rest of the album. Great
thewiseking wrote:
Cover? Mayall wrote the damn thing!
A pointless cover, really. This kind of stuff is heard at every Guitar Center
A pointless cover, really. This kind of stuff is heard at every Guitar Center
Bill is on a roll dishing out the greats. So cool.
6/8
I had the privilege to see him live at a free concert in Houston, maybe 15 years ago? To be so close to a guy who's been responsible for shepherding so many influential rock and blues musicians over the decades was enough, but then the show blew me away. Awesome talent.
slight Dave Brubeck Take Five vibes, great! Although I don't want to hear about Calif 😪
This is really quite awesome ...
Saw him play in a beer hall - bar.
Great freakin show.
And room to move.
Great freakin show.
And room to move.
Landmark musician. A 10, nothing less.
Had the album from those hazy days but on a trip to Barcelona caught a show at the Palau de la Música Catalana. What an amazing night.
not a big Mayall fan but this rates for the great sax alone...
Is there some other John Mayall track you could play? This is cool, but it's the only Mayall you ever play. Variety, Bill!
Just needledropped this LP, another RP inspired purchase, just phenomenal throughout.. There is no drummer in this trio, but yet, they boogie just fine. 
I like the jazz texture of the sax. Both this album and Movin' On.
I like the jazz texture of the sax. Both this album and Movin' On.
DelightedIdiot wrote:
Same here. I was a 16 year old suburban nerd raised on Frankie Valli, The Ronettes and CCR. This song just grabbed me and I got the album. Went to college, converted my LP collection to cassette tape and bought it again. One of my all time favorite albums.
I was 14 and went on a cross US road trip with my oldest sister and her family (she was 14 years older than me). We stopped at free campgrounds and a couple times stayed with frat buddies of my brother-in-law.
In Denver, we stopped at this one guy's place and I had no interest in the conversation going on, but the guy played a succession of LPs that just grabbed me . This was one. Bought it as soon as I could along with everything else I heard that night.
That trip also brought me to my first Dead concert in Berkeley in 1971 - another life-changing experience.
Same here. I was a 16 year old suburban nerd raised on Frankie Valli, The Ronettes and CCR. This song just grabbed me and I got the album. Went to college, converted my LP collection to cassette tape and bought it again. One of my all time favorite albums.
I was 14 and went on a cross US road trip with my oldest sister and her family (she was 14 years older than me). We stopped at free campgrounds and a couple times stayed with frat buddies of my brother-in-law.
In Denver, we stopped at this one guy's place and I had no interest in the conversation going on, but the guy played a succession of LPs that just grabbed me . This was one. Bought it as soon as I could along with everything else I heard that night.
That trip also brought me to my first Dead concert in Berkeley in 1971 - another life-changing experience.
catnip wrote:
jelous of being near mountains. stuck i am near the sand-hills of north carolina.
Listened to this today, driving the slow national road down the east coast of Spain with the sunset to the right, sometimes full in the face. Glorious; the kilometres went by easily, the cardboard-cutout mountains turning different shades of grey and purple as the music played out. No overtaking, just a jamming band, a good stereo, and the feeling that someone got it right.
Not California, but this will do nicely.
Not California, but this will do nicely.
jelous of being near mountains. stuck i am near the sand-hills of north carolina.
I definitely envision Michael Hedges listening to this at some point!
Every time I hear this piece I think 'Not again', then I get hooked into the rhythm and cannot get anything done until the sax high note. Wait - there's more to come.
Having bought the album soon after its release, I must have heard it Xhundred times.
Still enjoy it.
Get him in the Hall of Fame. NOW.
Having bought the album soon after its release, I must have heard it Xhundred times.
Still enjoy it.
Get him in the Hall of Fame. NOW.
Saw him play in a bar about 15 years ago.
Put on a great show.
Put on a great show.
This is stunning.
Ne plus ultra. Thank you RP
Looks like "Room to Move" hasn't been played here for about a decade.
Time to give that classic a spin, Bill!
Time to give that classic a spin, Bill!
Way too cool for me.
First album I ever bought , with my paper route money,because of the title track .Grew to love the whole thing
9 was not enough. Now a 10. Used to listen to him in the late 60s. Then drifted away. This is musical rebirth for me.
RabbitEars wrote:
Hah ! He had grey hair 50 years ago when I saw him at The Electric Factory in Philly for the USA Union tour.
I just got a copy of this album on vinyl that finally arrived a few days ago after wanting it all these years. It still stands up as an all time great live album.
Having been born and raised in California, this song captures the vibe of back then. Sadly, I have no desire to return to my home anymore. It in no way resembles anything other than a long ago forgotten dream state of mind.
Fantastic that Mayall is still touring at the ripe age of 86. I saw him perform with gray hair over 30 years ago.
Hah ! He had grey hair 50 years ago when I saw him at The Electric Factory in Philly for the USA Union tour.
I just got a copy of this album on vinyl that finally arrived a few days ago after wanting it all these years. It still stands up as an all time great live album.
Having been born and raised in California, this song captures the vibe of back then. Sadly, I have no desire to return to my home anymore. It in no way resembles anything other than a long ago forgotten dream state of mind.
Haven't hear this one before. Flute and harmonica is a rare combination. A master playing, this is just superb.
Fantastic that Mayall is still touring at the ripe age of 86. I saw him perform with gray hair over 30 years ago.
rita_johnson wrote:
Yes. This came out when I was 14. I listened to it constantly and thought "if this is what California sounds like - I'm goin". I did end up there for a short stint.
Makes me very nostalgic for those long-ago days when we would get stoned and listen to records. Yes, records. LPs. Getting lost in the music. Sigh.
Yes. This came out when I was 14. I listened to it constantly and thought "if this is what California sounds like - I'm goin". I did end up there for a short stint.
rita_johnson wrote:
I was talking with my step-mom the other day. She's going through a house full of stuff since my dad passed. She asked if I wanted some speakers. What kind I asked. Well the bedroom ones are Realistic (oh, no thanks), and then in the living room there are these --- A. D. V. E... (YES!, keep those!!). Looking forward to listening to appropriate era music on them - like this.
Makes me very nostalgic for those long-ago days when we would get stoned and listen to records. Yes, records. LPs. Getting lost in the music. Sigh.
I was talking with my step-mom the other day. She's going through a house full of stuff since my dad passed. She asked if I wanted some speakers. What kind I asked. Well the bedroom ones are Realistic (oh, no thanks), and then in the living room there are these --- A. D. V. E... (YES!, keep those!!). Looking forward to listening to appropriate era music on them - like this.
Nippur wrote:
Me too!
I thought this was Morphine.
Me too!
obankenobi wrote:
Had to look it up: "In the restaurant scene, the live band playing in the background is Meridian West, a jazz quartet that Steve McQueen had seen performing at the famous Sausalito restaurant, The Trident."
Killer flute reminds me of the jazz band playing in Bullitt
Had to look it up: "In the restaurant scene, the live band playing in the background is Meridian West, a jazz quartet that Steve McQueen had seen performing at the famous Sausalito restaurant, The Trident."
rita_johnson wrote:
I know exactly what you mean. You can still do it. It still works.
Makes me very nostalgic for those long-ago days when we would get stoned and listen to records. Yes, records. LPs. Getting lost in the music. Sigh.
I know exactly what you mean. You can still do it. It still works.
catnip wrote:
Portugal does pretty well as a stand-in for California.
Listened to this today, driving the slow national road down the east coast of Spain with the sunset to the right, sometimes full in the face. Glorious; the kilometres went by easily, the cardboard-cutout mountains turning different shades of grey and purple as the music played out. No overtaking, just a jamming band, a good stereo, and the feeling that someone got it right.
Not California, but this will do nicely.
Not California, but this will do nicely.
Portugal does pretty well as a stand-in for California.
Great sound may it go on...
Please, play Morphine next
rita_johnson wrote:
I did that this weekend ;)
Makes me very nostalgic for those long-ago days when we would get stoned and listen to records. Yes, records. LPs. Getting lost in the music. Sigh.
I did that this weekend ;)
sfyi2001 wrote:
Read an article on Mayall a few years ago that mentioned he has amassed a collection of pornography over the past 50+ years that is apparently unrivaled by any in the world.
Irrelevant to this song, yeah, but anytime since then that I see or hear anything by him, that is what comes to mind.
Which is more than used to, I guess. Good for him.
Fortunately, it probably went up in smoke with his home and music collection/achives in a California brush fire in 1979.
Read an article on Mayall a few years ago that mentioned he has amassed a collection of pornography over the past 50+ years that is apparently unrivaled by any in the world.
Irrelevant to this song, yeah, but anytime since then that I see or hear anything by him, that is what comes to mind.
Which is more than used to, I guess. Good for him.
Fortunately, it probably went up in smoke with his home and music collection/achives in a California brush fire in 1979.
masteregt wrote:
How about some Paul Butterfield for more superb jazz fusion
Jazz Blues fusion
How about some Paul Butterfield for more superb jazz fusion
This album was introduction to the blues. I know not the traditional blues. Maybe 1973? saw hims couple years ago in Grass Valley CA. great show. He signed CD for my Dad who turned on the Mr. Mayall.
Unverkennbar mit Mark und Almond - haben selbst klasse Platten veröffentlicht.
RP spielt von denen leider nur immer "The city"
RP spielt von denen leider nur immer "The city"
Nippur wrote:
Close but no fix. ;)
I thought this was Morphine.
Close but no fix. ;)
Egctheow wrote:
Precisely, where do you think it all began?
Trance, trance! Sounds like an incantation with instruments. YES!
Precisely, where do you think it all began?
Killer flute reminds me of the jazz band playing in Bullitt
Wow!
Canadese wrote:
Never!
Ditto!
Once every two months is just not enough!
Never!
Ditto!
Once every two months is just not enough!
the vocal sounds like Joao Gilberto. It's bossa nova...
I thought this was Morphine.
9 for the flute
Play more of that!
I grew into mymanhood listening to this album. Seems like a dream now. (Go ahead, say it.).
10. What do think that number is made for, if not for this? My manhood, ferchristsskes.
10. What do think that number is made for, if not for this? My manhood, ferchristsskes.
Jazz Blues fusion
Trance, trance! Sounds like an incantation with instruments. YES!
Makes me very nostalgic for those long-ago days when we would get stoned and listen to records. Yes, records. LPs. Getting lost in the music. Sigh.
I saw him play in Bath, England-so many years ago I can't remember when, a great night tho'.
Schmoogsley wrote:
Never!
Ditto!
Jesus, please, make it stop. 
Never!
Ditto!
Hell yes!
This song is absolutley amazing!
Jazz?Blues?Rock?
No Drummer?
What? a solid 10 for me
Had the album as a young man. Loved it then. Love it now.
Right now, my fish may be burning on the stove, but can't stop the groove.
More!!!!
Right now, my fish may be burning on the stove, but can't stop the groove.
More!!!!
perfect for a sunny Sunday, cookin in my kitchen in Cali. Fires, earthquakes, high prices... nothing can ever drive me away. Heaven!
Another killer record from 1969!
Normally don't mind looped or repeated musical segments...but this really feels like a chore.
Great segue - even the album covers are similar!
<3
Schmoogsley wrote:
Never!
Jesus, please, make it stop.
Never!
Read an article on Mayall a few years ago that mentioned he has amassed a collection of pornography over the past 50+ years that is apparently unrivaled by any in the world.
Irrelevant to this song, yeah, but anytime since then that I see or hear anything by him, that is what comes to mind.
Which is more than used to, I guess. Good for him.
Please let this end.
The cut that turned me on to John Mayall. Brilliant. I remember moving to Washington state and leaving a love behind. I promised here that I would come back to California and sent her a mix tape with this as one of the tracks on it.
RIP Mr Mayall. You were a mighty figure on the music scene, and I thank you for all the wonderful music.
I just read about his passing. Quite the musician, he really loved the Chicago style blues and played well into his 80's. Kind of a hard-luck musician, newer really in the limelight and seemed that is how he preferred it. RIP Mr. Mayall, you are missed