By the time the music for these albums was recorded (just as few scant months after the spectacle of Woodstock), John Mayall was already christening the 15th version of his much-lofted Bluesbreakers. Blessed with a gift for choosing spectacular sidemen (and it didn’t hurt that players like Eric Clapton, John McVie, and Mick Taylor lined up for the positions), Mayall’s bands were a virtual proving ground for the most important players of British rock during that decade and the next. But after many years of performing in a quick succession of guitar-dominated blues/rock ensembles, Mayall became lost in the Brit-blooz bloom, feeling an urgency to turn his music more intimate and ease back on the volume.

The idea foreshadowed the “unplugged” phenomena by a couple decades, with a drummerless group, featuring reedist John Almond, nylon-string guitarist Jon Mark, and bassist Steve Thompson. In an unusual formation, they would accompany Mayall's own slide guitar and harmonica in a set of politically-charged, environmentally-aware tunes called "The Turning Point." Mayall’s sophisticated mix of country blues and bop jazz jamming eventually became one of his best selling albums. It was also the focus of a rare film documentary (also titled, “Turning Point”), by a group of blues-loving cinematographers, that followed his band during its brief duration. Playing only to a few European festivals in the early ‘70s, the movie has been restored recently as an artifact of its era, capturing a unique moment in the evolution of blues rock.

“The Masters” is a two-disc set featuring Mayall’s heady band in concert during various British shows on that tour, along with rehearsal and interview segments from the movie. While nearly drenching in context, it is interesting to hear how certain songs come together and how a few Bluebreakers’ alum (including Clapton, Peter Green and John McVie) felt about their old boss. “Live at The Marquee 1969” is a companion to the official “Turning Point,” featuring a full set from the band, who were still finding new ideas and new themes in this unique line-up. Mayall’s fans will know that these discs are indispensable documents, catching the veteran musician in transition from blues revivalist to blues originator. For others, it’s an exciting way to discover the magic of those times.