Description
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers – Spinning Coin – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
A Late-Career Blues Statement from the Godfather of British Blues
Released in 1995 on Silvertone Records, Spinning Coin is an album by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, showcasing the enduring talent of a bandleader who has been called the “Godfather of British Blues.” By this point in his career, Mayall had already been a central figure in shaping the British blues boom of the 1960s, mentoring legendary musicians such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, and John McVie, all of whom passed through the Bluesbreakers lineup at one time or another. With Spinning Coin, Mayall proved that his music remained vital and powerful decades later, offering a fresh set of blues-rock songs performed with intensity, polish, and authenticity.
The 1995 Bluesbreakers lineup featured Buddy Whittington on guitar, whose fiery yet soulful playing became a hallmark of the band’s 1990s sound. Alongside Whittington were Rick Cortes on bass, Joe Yuele on drums, and Mayall himself handling vocals, keyboards, and harmonica. This incarnation of the Bluesbreakers had a tight, well-seasoned chemistry, and on Spinning Coin they delivered performances that bridged traditional blues grit with contemporary production. The result is an album that feels modern yet rooted in the timeless traditions Mayall had been carrying forward since the 1960s.
Musically, Spinning Coin combines straight-ahead blues, rock-driven numbers, and more reflective ballads. Mayall’s voice, weathered but expressive, conveys authority and emotion, while his harmonica and keyboard work provide texture and grit. Whittington’s guitar is a standout throughout the album, providing searing solos, melodic leads, and tasteful fills that recall the fire of Clapton and Green while showcasing his own distinct voice.
The tracklist is filled with highlights that demonstrate both the variety and cohesion of the album. “When the Devil Starts Crying” is one of the standout cuts, a swampy, groove-driven blues number written by Jim Lauderdale that became a fan favorite and a staple of Mayall’s live shows in the 1990s. “Ain’t No Brakeman” is another powerhouse track, driven by sharp guitar licks and Mayall’s gritty vocals. The title track, “Spinning Coin,” is both reflective and driving, encapsulating the themes of fate, struggle, and resilience that run through the record. Other songs like “Fan the Flames” and “Voodoo Music” push into high-energy blues-rock territory, while more mid-tempo numbers such as “I Don’t Mind” showcase Mayall’s ability to bring nuance and subtlety to his performances.
At the time of its release, Spinning Coin was praised by critics and blues fans for its authenticity and energy. While John Mayall had already secured his place in music history decades earlier, this album demonstrated that he was far from finished as a creative force. It reinforced his role not only as a vital performer but also as a curator of talent, continuing the Bluesbreakers tradition of showcasing exceptional guitarists—this time through Buddy Whittington, whose work on the record drew significant acclaim.
Spinning Coin holds a special place in John Mayall’s catalog. It represents his ability to remain relevant in the 1990s blues revival while staying true to the roots of the genre he helped introduce to British and American audiences. For fans of Mayall’s earlier work with Clapton on Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (1966) or Peter Green on A Hard Road (1967), this album offers continuity, proving that the Bluesbreakers formula—powerful guitar-driven blues anchored by Mayall’s vision—was as effective in the 1990s as it had been in the 1960s.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers – Spinning Coin (1995) is a late-career gem that captures the enduring spirit of one of the most important figures in blues history. With standout tracks like “When the Devil Starts Crying,” “Ain’t No Brakeman,” and the reflective “Spinning Coin,” the album showcases a seasoned Bluesbreakers lineup led by Mayall’s passionate vocals and Buddy Whittington’s fiery guitar work. It stands as proof that John Mayall’s influence and artistry extended far beyond the British blues explosion of the 1960s, making it an essential listen for fans of blues, blues-rock, and guitar-driven music.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
When The Devil Starts Crying
Spinning Coin
Ain’t No Brakeman
Double Life Feelings
Run
What Passes For Love
Fan The Flames
Voodoo Music
Long Story Short
No Big Hurry
Remember This
